Women face many unique health challenges throughout their lives — from menstrual cycles, birth control, and pregnancy, to menopause and beyond. Some health issues are specific to women, while others occur more commonly in women. One of the most significant concerns for women today is cancer, particularly cancers of the female organs, such as the breast, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
Today, let’s take a closer look at the most common cancer among women in Singapore — Breast Cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Singaporean women, and it’s something all women should be aware of. Every woman is at risk, and the risk increases with age. While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Certain factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These include:
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of cancerous or non-cancerous breast lumps
- History of ovarian cancer
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
- Having your first child after age 30
- Having few or no children
- Being on hormone therapy
While these risk factors don’t guarantee that breast cancer will develop, they do increase the likelihood, making it essential for women to stay vigilant about their breast health.
Early Signs and Symptoms
In its early stages, breast cancer may not present obvious symptoms, which makes early detection crucial. However, some common signs include:
- A lump in the breast or under the armpit (axillary region)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Because early signs can be non-specific, regular screening is key to catching breast cancer in its early, more treatable stages.
Screening for Breast Cancer
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves lives. There are two main methods of screening:
- Mammograms – This is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer. Mammograms can identify lumps before they’re large enough to be felt, improving the chances of early detection and treatment.
- Breast Self-Examination (BSE) – Women are encouraged to perform monthly self-exams, especially one week after menstruation, to check for any lumps or abnormalities.
Put your hands on your hips and look out for changes in breast shape, skin surface and nipple abnormalities. Raise your arms above your head to look for changes (especially dimples) on the underside of your breast.
Touch and feel your breast using your middle 3 fingers, moving in a circular motion from outer area towards the nipple. Gently squeeze your nipple to check for any discharge.
Repeat this step for your other breast
Look out for any physical changes such as lumps, swelling, redness or rashes, any changes in shape or position of the nipples.
Here’s a quick guide to breast cancer screening recommendations:
| Age | Breast Self-Examination | Mammogram |
|---|---|---|
| 30 – 39 | Once a month (one week after menses) | – |
| 40 – 49 | Speak to your doctor on suitability and benefits of going for mammogram at this age. If screening is recommended, it should be done once a year | |
| 50 and above | Once every two years | Once every two years |
Lifestyle Choices Matter
In addition to regular screening, maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in reducing your risk of breast cancer. Here are some tips for staying healthy:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in fat
- Limit or avoid alcohol
Have Concerns About Breast Cancer?
At Alliance Medical Centre (AMC), we’re here to support you through every step of your health journey. If you have concerns about breast cancer or would like to discuss screening options, our experienced doctors are available to provide personalised advice.
Take charge of your health today—schedule a consultation with AMC to learn more about breast cancer screening and how to stay proactive about your health.
