Top Breast Cancer Screening Services in Singapore

Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer affecting women in Singapore? In fact, statistics show that around one in 14 women in Singapore will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

But don’t worry, there’s good news – early detection is key to treating and surviving breast cancer.

That’s why we’ve put together this blog post to highlight some of the top breast cancer screening services in Singapore.

Whether you’re a first-time screener or looking to switch to a new provider, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your health.

So let’s dive in and find out more!

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in breasts grow out of control.

There are different types of breast cancers, and the type of breast cancer will depend on which cells in the breast turn into cancerous cells. 

Any part of the breast can develop into breast cancer. A breast is made up of three main parts: the lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the lobules or ducts.

The lobules are the glands that which milk production occurs. The ducts are the tubes that transport milk to the nipple. The connective tissue consisting of fibrous and fatty tissue surrounds and holds the breast together. 

Breast cancer can also spread outside of the breast through lymph and blood vessels.

When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is known as being metastasised. 

Did you know that breast cancer is one of the types of cancer that occurs most frequently in females all over the world?

In point of fact, it is projected that one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. The good news is that early detection is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of breast cancer developing into a condition that is life-threatening.

Early detection of breast cancer can be accomplished by a variety of methods, such as performing self-exams on a regular basis and getting mammograms.

It is essential to be familiar with one’s own breasts and to remain alert to any changes that may take place. It is critical that you make an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible if you discover any lumps, bumps, or changes in the appearance of your breasts.

Mammograms are another essential tool in the fight against breast cancer in its early stages.

It is advised that women over the age of 50 receive a mammography every two years. However, screening may need to begin earlier for women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

Breast Cancer and Early Detection Methods for the Disease

Cancer of the breast is a specific form of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast. It is the cancer that strikes women more frequently than any other type and is the second most common type of cancer overall. The good news is that there are a number of ways to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, which can significantly enhance the likelihood that treatment will be successful.

Self-examinations on a regular basis are one method that can be used to detect breast cancer in its early stages.

You will be more likely to notice any changes that take place if you become familiar with your breasts and the way they regularly look and feel. It is critical that you make an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible if you discover any lumps, bumps, or changes in the appearance of your breasts.

Mammograms provide yet another opportunity to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. A mammogram is a type of breast X-ray that can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue before those abnormalities can be felt by the patient. It is advised that women over the age of 50 receive a mammography every two years.

However, screening may need to begin earlier for women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

In addition to giving up smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining a regular exercise routine, reducing the amount of alcohol you consume, and exercising all help lower the chance of developing breast cancer.

It is essential that you discuss with your physician any drugs or nutritional supplements that you are currently taking, as some of these products have been shown to raise a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

In conclusion, breast cancer is a significant threat to women’s health, but there are multiple approaches that may be taken to detect it at an earlier stage.

Alterations to one’s lifestyle, as well as self-examinations and mammograms at regular intervals, can all help lower one’s risk of getting breast cancer and raise one’s likelihood of responding favourably to treatment.

Hence, take responsibility for the health of your breasts and consult your physician about the measures you may take to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer at an early stage.

Breast cancer is a significant threat to women’s health, and it is only reasonable for them to worry how dangerous the disease might actually be. The unpleasant response is that it can be highly harmful if it is not recognised and treated as soon as possible.

If breast cancer is not treated in a timely manner, the disease may spread to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs.

This phenomenon is referred to as metastasis, and it can make it far more challenging to treat cancer. Breast cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body, is far more difficult to treat than breast cancer that has not metastasized.

The good news is that early detection can significantly increase the likelihood that treatment will be successful. It is far simpler to treat and cure breast cancer if it is caught in its early stages, before the disease has the opportunity to spread.

Because of this, it is extremely important to undertake regular self-examinations and to undergo regular mammograms, particularly if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors for developing the disease.

A lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the size or form of the breast, changes in the skin surrounding the breast, and changes in the nipple discharge are some of the indications and symptoms of breast cancer.

It is also vital to be aware of these signs and symptoms. It is critical that you get medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.

Percentage of Women Around the World who have Breast Cancer

Cancer of the breast is a major cause of concern for the health of women all over the world. In point of fact, it is the cancer that affects women the most frequently all over the world, making about 25% of all occurrences of cancer in females.

The prevalence of breast cancer in females varies greatly across countries and regions. For instance, around one in every eight women in the United States may acquire breast cancer at some point throughout their lifetime.

There are around 562,500 new cases of breast cancer identified in European women each year, making it the most frequent form of cancer in this population.

In underdeveloped nations, where access to breast cancer screening and treatment may be more limited, rising breast cancer rates have also been seen. Breast cancer is quickly overtaking other types of cancer as the top cause of death among females in many parts of the world.

It is essential to keep in mind that early discovery and treatment can significantly increase the likelihood of favourable outcomes, even though these numbers may give the impression that the situation is hopeless.

Women can improve their chances of surviving breast cancer by detecting any early signs of the disease and taking preventative measures such as undergoing frequent self-examinations and mammograms.

In addition, variables related to one’s lifestyle, such as achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing one’s consumption of alcohol, and quitting smoking, can all assist in lowering one’s chance of developing breast cancer.

Misconceptions About Breast Cancer

Myth 1: Breast cancer only occurs in females.

This is a mistake that many people make. Even though breast cancer is more prevalent among women, guys are not immune to developing the disease. Even though breast cancer in men is extremely uncommon, it is still a possibility that they could develop the disease if they have breast tissue.

Myth 2: The only women who are at risk for breast cancer are those who have a personal or family history of the disease.

Although a history of breast cancer in your family can put you at a higher risk for developing the disease yourself, the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no such family history.

In point of fact, the majority of instances of breast cancer occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors.

Myth 3: Putting on an underwire bra can make your chance of developing breast cancer higher.

This assertion is not supported by any evidence from the scientific community. There is no correlation between using underwire bras and an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Myth 4: Having a diagnosis of breast cancer is automatically a death sentence.

This is not even close to being accurate. As new methods of diagnosis and therapy become available, an increasing number of breast cancer patients are beating the disease. The chances of favourable outcomes are significantly increased when early detection and timely treatment are administered.

Myth 5: You do not need to be concerned about breast cancer if you do not have any symptoms of the disease.

Even in the absence of any symptoms, breast cancer may already be present. This is one reason why it is essential to perform self-exams and screenings on a regular basis. If you catch breast cancer in its earliest stages, before any symptoms develop, you give yourself a much better chance of responding favourably to therapy.

Myth 6: A lump in the breast is always present in a patient who has breast cancer.

Although a lump is a common sign of breast cancer, it is important to note that not all cases of breast cancer appear with a lump. Alterations in the size or shape of the breasts, discharge from the nipple, and alterations in the skin that covers the breasts are some other signs. It is essential to be aware of any and all potential symptoms and to consult a medical professional if you observe any changes.

Myth 7: Breast cancer can be induced by deodorant or antiperspirant.

The assertion that using deodorant or antiperspirant raises one’s risk of developing breast cancer is not supported by any research that has been conducted in the field of science. The evidence is not conclusive, despite the fact that certain research have revealed a connection between breast cancer and aluminum-based chemicals found in deodorants and antiperspirants.

Myth number eight: Breast cancer is something that only affects mature women.

Although younger women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than older women, younger women can still get the disease. In point of fact, breast cancer is the type of cancer that affects women the most frequently between the ages of 15 and 39.

Myth 9: A mastectomy is the only possible course of treatment for breast cancer.

Although a mastectomy, in which the breast is surgically removed, is one of the most common treatments for breast cancer, it is not the only one. Lumpectomy, sometimes known as the removal of the malignant lump, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are some of the other treatment options. The most effective course of treatment will vary from patient to patient.

Myth 10: Suffering from breast cancer is invariably excruciating.

Cancer of the breast can be painful or it might be painless. Some breast cancer patients report experiencing pain, while others report none at all. It is essential to be aware of all potential signs, not only pain, and to consult a medical professional if you observe any changes in the appearance of your breasts.

In conclusion, there are a lot of misconceptions about breast cancer floating around, which can lead to confusion and fear. It is essential to acquire knowledge and be able to differentiate between fact and fiction.

You can lessen your likelihood of developing breast cancer and improve your chances of having a positive result if you educate yourself about the disease and take responsibility for your own breast health.

Types of breast cancer

Invasive ductal carcinoma 

Invasive ductal carcinoma starts from the ducts, and the cancer cells grow into other parts of the breast tissue. These invasive cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. 

Invasive lobular carcinoma

Invasive lobular carcinoma starts from the lobules and spread to the breast tissue that is of proximity. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. 

Symptoms of breast cancer

Although the most common sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast, there are instances that such lumps are not an indication of cancer. Most of these lumps are non-cancerous. 

Common causes of non-cancerous breast lumps 

• breast infection
• fibrocystic breast disease
• fibroadenoma
• fat necrosis

New painless lumps that occur in breasts are the most common symptom of breast cancer. If you feel a hard lump with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous than other types of lumps. 

Early signs of breast cancer

A woman may notice a change in her breast when she goes for her frequent breast examination or checks up on minor abnormal pain in her breast. The early signs of breast cancer include: 

• changes in the shape of the nipple
• pain in the breast that continues even after your period 
• a new lump that does not go away after your period 
• nipple discharge from breasts that is either red, yellow, brown, or clear in colour 
• redness, swelling, itchiness, rash on the breast that is not due to skin condition 
• swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm area

Later signs of breast cancer

• inward turning or retraction of the nipple
• enlargement of one breast 
• an existing lump that increases in size
• a skin texture that resembles an orange peel
• vaginal pain 
• dimpling of the breast surface 
• unintentional weight loss 
• enlarges lymph nodes under the arm area 
• visible veins on the breast 

However, note that having one or more symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have breast cancer. For example, nipple discharge can be due to an infection and nothing as serious as breast cancer.

Ensure to check with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms and arrange for a breast screening as soon as possible. 

Breast cancer in men

Breast cancer is typically not associated with men. However, on rare occasions, breast cancer can occur in men at any age, although more commonly found in older men. As men have breast tissues, too, there is a chance for them to develop breast cancer.

However, as men’s breast tissues are much less developed than women’s breast cells, breast cancer in men is rare. The symptoms of breast cancer in men is more or less similar to the symptoms for women.

Since men do not regularly check their breast tissue for signs of lumps, their breast cancer is usually diagnosed at a much later stage. 

Breast screening devices

Mammogram 

A mammogram is one of the most widely available breast screening methods in Singapore. It is an X-ray of the breast, which detects cancerous lumps even before they can be felt with the hands. 

How often should I go for breast screening 

Regular breast screening examination at once a year is highly recommended for women between 40 to 49 years old. For women above 50 years old, screening every two years is recommended. And for women below 40 years old, it is not necessary to go for screening. 

Risk factors of breast cancer

Age

Age is one risk factor that you cannot change as it is a natural human process to grow older. However, the risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most breast cancers diagnosed after aged 50. 

Reproductive history 

Women who have early menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 are exposed to hormones longer and increasing their risk of getting breast cancer.

Dense breast 

Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, increasing the difficulty of detecting cancer cells using a mammogram.

Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases if she has a mother, sister, or daughter who have had breast or ovarian cancer.

Other members from the extended family, regardless male or female, who have breast or ovarian cancer can also increase the risk. 

Treatments with radiation therapy

Women younger than 30 years old who had radiation therapy to the chest area or breast have a higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. 

Personal history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast diseases

Women who are survivors of breast cancer are more likely to get it for a second time.

Some non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma increase the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Alcohol intake 

The more alcohol a woman drinks, the higher chance she has of being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Pregnancy 

Women who are pregnant and gives birth after age 30, who are not breastfeeding, and have not experienced a full-term pregnancy have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. 

Conclusion 

Breast cancer is one of the most cancer among women in Singapore.

Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle and consuming less alcohol can help to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

If you feel a lump in your breast, consult your doctor and arrange for a breast cancer screening examination as soon as possible.

Early detection of breast cancer increases your chance of surviving and reduces the possibility of the cancer cells spreading to other parts of your body. 

Editor’s Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

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