Breast cancer rates in Singapore have increased by about 25 percent over the past ten years, a government minister said on Saturday.

Speaking at the launch of a local breast cancer support group on Saturday, Singapore's Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Shoon said that the number of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Singapore is growing with about 1,300 women in the city state every year.

The improvements in medical treatment and greater awareness have brought about commendable improvements in the breast cancer's survival rates, she said, adding that the road to recovery and triumph over the disease would be smoother and better when there is holistic support.

In a related development, Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research has teamed up with New Zealand's Health Research Council to launch a joint research fund worth 3.48 million Singapore dollars (about US$2.41 million).

To join hands in the fight against cancer and heart disease, leading scientists and researchers from both countries will collaborate on research efforts and tap into each other's expertise.

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2008)