All women are at risk of breast cancer, and the chances of developing it increases with age. Your risk increases if:
- You are 40 years of age or older; and/or
- Your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer
Reference: SG Cancer Registry Report 2022 (Published 2024)
The good news is, early detection can increase your chances of survival. Hence, every woman aged 40 and above should be screened regularly for breast cancer.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissues. As with most cancers, the exact cause is not known. Experts believe that it may be due to genetic and environmental factors.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
The chances of getting breast cancer increase with age. Other risk factors for breast cancer include:
- Having a family history of breast cancer
- A history of malignant or benign (non-cancerous) breast disease
- A history of ovarian cancers
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
- Having your first child after the age of 30
- Having fewer children or never having children
- Being on hormone replacement therapy
- Weight gain, especially after the menopause
- Drinking alcohol
However, the absence of these risk factors does not mean protection against breast cancer. Regular screening is important for early detection of breast cancer.
Signs of Breast Cancer
Early breast cancer usually does not have any symptoms. This is why regular mammogram screening and including regular breast self-examinations are important. If you experience any of the symptoms described below, please see your doctor immediately.
Stages of Breast Cancer
There are five stages of breast cancer: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. At the earlier stages (0 and 1), treatment can result in survival rates of over 90 percent.
Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer
The best way to protect yourself from breast cancer is to go for regular mammograms. Doing a monthly breast self-examination also keeps you aware of any changes to your breasts.
Go for a mammogram regularly. During the process, a female radiographer will place your breast between two flat plastic plates and compress for a few seconds. This is performed on one breast at a time. Some discomfort may be experienced but it is important for the breast tissue to be compressed in order to capture a clear X-ray.
Do also practice monthly breast self-examinations to pick up for early symptoms or signs of breast cancer.
In addition, making the following lifestyle changes may lower your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in fats
- Try to avoid alcohol completely
Download our pamphlet on Breast Cancer screening for more information
Further Testing for Breast Cancer
Even if your mammogram results are normal, you should still continue with your monthly breast self-examination and regular mammogram screening every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above for early breast cancer detection.
If your mammogram results are abnormal and you are asked to go for further tests, do not panic. 9 out of every 10 women who need further tests will have normal results. Having to go for further tests does not mean you have breast cancer.
The test(s) you need will depend on your mammogram result. The doctor will recommend suitable follow-up tests for you, such as:
- A repeat mammogram where different views of the breasts are taken
- An ultrasound where sound waves are used to examine the breast tissue
- A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue from the affected breast will be taken
Related: Screen for Cancer Before It's Too Late
Breast Cancer Treatment
If breast cancer is confirmed after further tests, treatment options will depend on the following:
- Stage of breast cancer (whether early or late)
- Types of cancer cells
- Age and general health of the individual
Early-stage breast cancer may require only surgery while late-stage breast cancer often will require a combination of the following treatment options:
- Breast surgery
- Radiation therapy: this uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours
- Chemotherapy: this uses drugs to destroy cancer cells
- Hormone therapy: this uses anti-oestrogen therapy (such as Tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (such as Anastrozole) to stop hormone-responsive cancer cells from growing
Related: Breast Cancer — Diagnosis to Treatment
For more information about your recommended breast cancer screenings, visit the Healthier SG Screening page.
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Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board