It is important to detect any abnormalities early as breast cancers are the most common cancer among women, both in Singapore and worldwide. 1 in 13 women in Singapore will get breast cancer in their lifetime. It is also an integral part of women’s health and wellness to take special care of their breast health. Hence, having healthy breasts for life should be an essential commitment that women should pay attention to.
Dr Lim Siew Kuan, our Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon sheds light on this quick-fire Q&A and tells us why women should take charge of their breast health.
Q: Is there a specific age group who falls under the “extremely important” to have regular check-ups done?
A: Women after the age of 40 should get their breasts checked as the incidence of breast cancer increases after that.
Q: Just like any other cancer, ‘breast cancer’ are two dreadful words. What are the chances of survival and are there any pre-care and prevention tips?
A: Though it is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer, the survival and cure rates are one of the highest amongst the cancers. There is an immense amount of ongoing research, and many recent advances in the field. Generally, more than 80% of breast cancers are curable, and the earlier the diagnosis is made, the higher the cure rates. From the age of 18, women should be breast aware and do regular breast self-examinations on the 7th – 10th day of the menstrual cycle. Women should consider and discuss with their doctor regarding starting mammogram screening from the age of 40. Women above the age of 50 should have mammogram screenings done twice a year.
Q: We would love to know how the amalgamation of western medicines and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices like acupuncture help in breast care or breast cancer?
A: In the treatment of breast diseases and breast cancer, Western medicine is certainly still the standard of care. TCM is a useful complement in many ways. Acupuncture can alleviate perimenopausal symptoms which may result from breast cancer treatments, eg. nausea, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, as well as chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
TCM herbs can also be useful in helping patients maintain and/or regain their health and wellbeing. However, it is important to only go to registered TCM practitioners.
Q: There’s a huge mental trauma associated with breast cancer. Are there any ‘remedies’ to alleviate this emotional and physical challenge?
A: It is important to have social support from family, friends, and other breast cancer survivors. Patient and caregivers need to be educated in terms of knowledge about the disease and follow-up care so that they will become empowered to fight the cancer.
From the breast surgery perspective, we want to minimise psychological impact and trauma on the patient by optimizing cosmetic outcomes while removing the tumour. Using oncoplastic techniques, breast conservation rates are increased, even in cases of larger tumours. In the event that mastectomy is required, options of full breast reconstruction are available so that the patients find it easier to resume her previous active lifestyle.
Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lim Siew Kuan, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery
Article also published on Rainbow Dairies: https://rainbowdiaries.com/2022/07/breast-care-faqs-with-dr-lim-siew-kuan-of-solis-breast-care-centre.html
