In recent years, specialist breast cancer surgeon Dr. Anthony Tang has noticed a disturbing trend: breast cancer in Singapore is increasingly affecting younger women.
While it used to be more common in post-menopausal women, today, it’s not unusual for women in their twenties or thirties to be diagnosed.
In fact, Dr. Tang recently treated a woman in her thirties with a 5cm lump that had gone unchecked for nearly two years. By the time she came to him, her breast cancer had progressed to Stage 2, and was quickly approaching Stage 3. This rise in early-onset breast cancer, which refers to cases diagnosed in women under 45, is alarming, especially as many younger women still think it’s highly unlikely to happen to them.
As Singaporean parents, you want to ensure your daughters and even yourself are safe. Understanding the risks and getting early screenings can make all the difference.
Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead of breast cancer in Singapore.
The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Breast Cancer in Singapore
Dr. Tang, medical director of The Breast Clinic and a specialist in breast cancer in Singapore, has been practising for over 20 years. During the early days of his career, most of his patients were women in their late fifties or sixties. Today, one in six women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Singapore is under the age of 45. One of his youngest patients was only 22 years old.
Unfortunately, breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive. Dr. Tang notes that early-onset breast cancer often manifests as triple-negative or HER2-positive, both of which are more challenging to treat. Cultural and lifestyle shifts also contribute to these increasing numbers. For instance, more women in Singapore are having children later in life, having fewer children overall, or choosing not to breastfeed, all of which are known to increase the risk of breast cancer.
And while genetic predisposition is a factor you can’t control, there are some risk factors you can address. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are linked to higher breast cancer risk, but maintaining an active lifestyle and a healthy diet not only reduces the risk of breast cancer in Singapore but also helps prevent other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Navigating the Roadblocks
One of the key challenges Dr. Tang sees in his practice is that many young women delay seeking medical advice for breast lumps.
Why? Breast cancer doesn’t come with the usual warning signs we associate with serious health issues. The most obvious symptom is a lump, but there is no pain or discomfort associated with it.
Because of this, many young women and even their doctors may initially dismiss a lump as harmless. This is particularly common in young patients, where the perception that breast cancer only affects older women persists.
But the reality is, that the longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes. A breast lump, even if it isn’t painful, can slowly grow, and as it grows, the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body increase. Early diagnosis is key, and that’s why it’s critical for young women to see a specialist as soon as they notice any changes in their breasts.
For parents, teaching their daughters to recognize these signs early on can literally save their lives. Encourage them to be proactive and seek medical advice even for something as seemingly harmless as a small lump.
How to Diagnose Breast Cancer Early
Source: CNA
Breast cancer in Singapore is a growing concern, particularly for younger women. The Ministry of Health recommends women aged 40 to 49 get annual mammograms, but Dr. Tang stresses that this recommendation doesn’t just apply to women experiencing pain or discomfort. A mammogram can detect early changes in the breast that are often signs of breast cancer in Singapore.
For women under 40, regular mammograms are not advised due to the higher breast density in younger women, which makes it difficult to detect cancer through this method. Instead, Dr. Tang recommends that women start conducting monthly breast self-examinations from the age of 20. It’s important for young women to become familiar with their bodies and recognize what’s normal for them. That way, if a new, hard lump appears, they’ll be more likely to get it checked by a specialist.
And it’s not just lumps you need to watch out for. Other potential signs of breast cancer include bloody nipple discharge, changes in the appearance of the breast or nipple, and persistent rashes or redness that don’t respond to typical treatments.
The Role of Genetics and Preventative Measures
If there’s a family history of breast cancer, the risk factor is even higher. Dr. Tang advises patients to start screening 10 years before the age of the youngest family member diagnosed with breast cancer. If your cousin was diagnosed at 39, for instance, you should start screening at 29. Women with multiple family members who have had breast cancer may want to consider genetic testing to check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Carriers of these gene mutations have up to an 85% chance of developing breast cancer in Singapore.
However, as Dr. Tang points out, there are significant implications to genetic testing, including its effect on insurance eligibility for both you and your relatives. That’s why patients are required to speak with a genetic counsellor before undergoing the test.
If you test positive for the gene mutation, you have several options. Some women choose to undergo preventive surgeries, like a double mastectomy, to dramatically reduce their breast cancer risk. Others opt for more frequent screenings to catch cancer early should it develop. Either way, knowledge is power.
The earlier you know, the more options you’ll have.
Advances in Treatment and Hope for the Future
Source: Shutterstock
While breast cancer in Singapore, especially among younger women, is on the rise, there is also good news. Medical advancements in screening and treatment have made breast cancer far less of a death sentence than it once was. From targeted therapies to more effective surgeries and fertility preservation options, today’s treatments offer a much higher chance of recovery, especially when cancer is caught early.
It’s important to remember that early detection not only saves lives but also makes treatment easier. A smaller tumour detected at Stage 1 may not require chemotherapy, and breast-saving surgeries are more likely. Early treatment can also lead to better long-term outcomes, including fertility preservation for women who still wish to have children.
Take Charge of Your Health
As parents, you understand the importance of staying healthy for your children. Taking steps to educate yourself (and your daughters) about breast cancer in Singapore can save lives. Make it a priority to perform monthly self-examinations and schedule regular screenings if you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.
Don’t wait for warning signs because, as Dr. Tang stresses, they often don’t come. Be proactive, be vigilant, and take charge of your health today. Early detection is the best defence against breast cancer.
Do it for yourself, and do it for your family.
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