Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in females, and is the leading cause of cancer death in women in Singapore. According to the National Registry of Diseases Office in 2024, 1 in 12 women in Singapore is likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness of the disease as well as increase public awareness of the importance of regular mammogram screening for early detection, and healthy lifestyle changes to lower your chances of developing the condition.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer happens when mutated cells grow and divide out of control, developing into malignant tumors in the breast. These cells may spread to other parts of the body by breaking away from the original tumor and entering the blood or lymph vessels. When cancer cells travel to other parts of the body and starts damaging other parts of the body, it is known to have metastasized.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are different types of breast cancer spanning two broad categories: non-invasive breast cancers and invasive breast cancers.

Non-invasive breast cancers, also known as stage 0 breast cancers or carcinomas in situ, are thought to be the precursors to breast cancer. They are generally not life-threatening but can become invasive breast cancers if left untreated. The most common non-invasive breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) which starts in the cells lining the milk ducts of the breast. A rare non-invasive breast cancer, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) starts in the cells lining the breast lobules, the glands that makes milk.

Invasive breast cancers leave their original sites in the ducts or lobules and invade nearby breast tissue, lymph nodes or even distant organs, hence the name. Some examples of invasive breast cancer include invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer with 70%-80% of women being diagnosed with this yearly. The second most common type of invasive breast cancer is invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), accounting for 10%-15% of diagnoses.

Signs and Symptoms

Performing monthly breast self-examinations will help you easily identify any changes in your breasts. Here are some signs that you may have breast cancer:

Nipple tenderness
A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
A change in the skin texture or enlargement of pores in the skin
Unexplained changes to the size and shape of the breast
Dimpling of the breast skin
Unexplained swelling
Flattened or inverted nipples
Scaly, flaky, crusty or red skin of the breast, areola or nipple

Early Detection

A mammogram is an x-ray that allows specialists to examine your breast tissue for any suspicious areas. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue.

Women aged 40 and older are recommended to have a mammogram every year. Meanwhile, women under the age of 40 who have an increased risk of breast cancer are advised to ask their healthcare provider whether a mammogram is advisable and how often they should go for it.

Breast Cancer Myths

Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
Although they should not be ruled out completely as breast cancer, breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new breast lump. Breast pain can result from anything from an unsupportive bra to hormones, an injury or water retention.
Breast cancer only affects older women
While most cases of breast do happen in older women, a breast cancer diagnosis can happen at any time. Women who have a family history of breast cancer should begin screening 10 years before the age of diagnosis for that relative and regardless of age or risk factors, it is important to be aware of your breast health and go for regular screenings.
Men do not get breast cancer, it only affects women
Men can get breast cancer too. Although rare than breast cancer in women, men are still recommended to periodically perform a breast self-examination to check for the possibility of breast cancer. Breast cancer in men carry a higher mortality rate as awareness among men in lower and men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, leading to delayed treatment.

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: A Deeper Look into Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Singaporean women. We sit down with medical oncologist Dr. Lynette Ngo and breast surgeon Dr. Jesse Hu as they share more about the many facets of breast cancer, including the different types of breast cancers, what gets taken into consideration when planning your treatment options, and the importance of breast cancer screening.

Read the story

Understanding Cancer: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Advancements in medical technology today offer hope despite the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including support from experienced clinical oncologists, specialists, and healthcare professionals, many cancers may be effectively treated or managed.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about cancer, including:

Types of Cancer: Learn about different forms of cancer and their specific characteristics.
Early Detection: Understand the importance of cancer screening for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: Explore various cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Financial Assistance: Discover available financial aid options to help manage the cost of cancer care.
Reducing Your Risk: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your cancer risk.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, the body replaces old or damaged cells with new ones. However, genetic mutations or other factors can disrupt this process, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably and form tumors.

Types of Tumors:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
Modifiable Factors:
- Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and certain viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps
Skin changes
Persistent cough or headaches
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Cancers in Singapore

Men
Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer, and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Prostate cancer occurs specifically in the prostate, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, where cells mutate to form tumors that may be localized or spread to nearby tissues.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Women
Breast cancer develops in breast tissue where tumors form, and most breast cancers begin in the ducts and glands of breasts.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide,

Cancer Treatment Goals

Complete tumor removal.
Prevention of cancer recurrence or spread.
Symptom management and palliative care.

Cancer Prevention

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, you may reduce your risk by:

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Getting regular exercise.
Undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Getting vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV).

Farrer Park Cancer Care is supported by a panel of multi-disciplinary oncology experts to guide patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey; using innovative approaches to cancer treatments with new technologies, personalized care plans and therapies.

From understanding a cancer diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan, we are here to meet the spectrum of needs required by our patients, providing them with clinical care and working together to make informed decisions as we navigate with them through the disease into remission.

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