Understanding the landscape: breast cancer can touch any woman in Singapore
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in Singapore and can affect women of all ages. While many assume it only hits those with a clear family history or unhealthy lifestyles, the reality is broader. Experts explain that most breast cancers arise from a mix of factors, and a subset is not inherited at all. Staying informed about risks and screening empowers women to seek help early and improve outcomes.
Doctors emphasize that about 5 to 10 percent of cases are inherited. For most women, there is no single cause. Still, awareness of risk factors and timely screening can make a meaningful difference in detection and treatment success.
Worryingly, about one in ten Singaporean breast cancers are diagnosed at Stage 4, higher than many developed countries. This underscores the need for proactive screening and prompt medical attention when changes are noticed.
1) Breast cancer can affect any age group
Age is not a strict predictor. While most cases occur after age 50, about one in six occur in women under 45. In Singapore, the lifetime risk is estimated around 8.3 percent. Young women are not exempt, and awareness of changes in any age group is crucial.
2) Your breasts tell a story—don’t skip self-exams
Self-awareness is a powerful tool. Start regular breast self-examinations as soon as puberty begins, and tailor timing to your cycle if you’re menstruating. For those who are post-menopausal, pick a fixed monthly time. Look for changes in size, shape, skin texture, nipple appearance, and the armpit area. These checks help you notice subtle differences between visits to a clinician.
Warning signs to seek medical advice early include a persistent lump, a lump that doesn’t move, skin changes over a lump, nipple discharge (especially if bloody), or a lump in the armpit suggesting possible lymph node involvement.
3) Mammograms: a snapshot that should be repeated
A single clear mammogram is not a lifetime guarantee. Breast health requires regular screening because new developments can occur between exams. In Singapore, guidelines typically recommend annual mammograms for women aged 40–49 and biennial screening for those 50 and older. Those with family history may start 10 years earlier than the youngest relative’s diagnosis.
Radiation from mammograms is very low and generally considered safe. The benefit of early cancer detection through regular screening far outweighs potential risks. Many women also have dense breasts, which may warrant additional imaging in some cases, such as MRI for those at higher risk.
4) Genetics: how inherited risk works
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can come from either parent. A family history on both sides matters in evaluating risk. If a close relative has breast cancer, genetic testing may be advised for that individual first, with other family members considering testing based on results. Criteria for testing commonly include breast cancer diagnosed before 40, cancer in both breasts, certain aggressive cancer types, or a history of ovarian cancer. If a mutation is found, strategies such as enhanced screening, risk-reducing medications, or surgery can reduce risk. It’s important to remember that a positive test does not equal inevitability; individual risk varies by mutation and other factors.
5) What practical steps can women take today?
- Know your baseline: become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
- Schedule regular clinical screenings as recommended by your doctor, and adhere to your chosen interval.
- Discuss genetic risk with your clinician if there is a strong family history or early-age diagnosis.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek medical advice promptly if you notice changes, especially new lumps, skin changes, or unusual nipple discharge.
Early detection and informed decision-making are key. If you notice a change, don’t delay seeking medical evaluation. With awareness, regular screening, and appropriate risk-reducing strategies when indicated, Singaporean women can navigate breast health with greater confidence.
