Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in Singapore and most developed countries in the world. In Singapore, the incidence peaks in women in their 40s to early 50s. The good news is that breast cancer is highly curable when detected in the early stages.
The best strategy for early detection of breast cancer is to have screening regularly.
Types of breast cancer screening include:
- Breast self-examination: This should be conducted monthly, preferably when the period is over (for women who are pre-menopausal). Women should check themselves for lumps, skin changes such as redness/swelling/asymmetry/dimpling of skin, nipple discharge/rash/retraction
- Clinical breast examination: Getting a healthcare professional such as a doctor or trained nurse to examine the breasts
- Radiological examination:
- Mammogram is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Modern techniques such as 3D mammography improves detection rate and reduces discomfort.
- Breast ultrasound is a very useful adjunct to mammographic screening. It is particularly useful in young women and women with dense breasts on mammography.
- MRI of the breasts can be used in special circumstances. These include women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, personal high risk of breast cancer, and women with implants who prefer to avoid mammographic compression.
Recommendations for screening according to age group
- In your 20s: Breast self-examination monthly, clinical breast examination every 2 years
- In your 30s: Breast self-examination monthly, clinical breast examination every year. Consider breast ultrasound if breasts are very lumpy and difficult to examine, or if the woman has a history of recurrent lumps
- In your 40s: Breast self-examination monthly. Mammography screening yearly is recommended from age 40.
- In your 50s: After menopause, mammography can be conducted 1-2 yearly depending on individual risk factors. Prior to menopause, mammography should continue yearly
Keeping yourself breast-healthy
While many cancers including breast cancer cannot be prevented, modifications to lifestyle may reduce one’s risk to some degree. American Society of Cancer recommends the following measures that can possibly help reduce a person’s risk of breast cancer.
- Regular exercise of moderate intensity 30 minutes for at least 5 times a week, or 150 minutes per week.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle such as sitting, lying down for most of day
- Avoid weight gain / obesity especially after menopause
- Dietary modifications:
- Calorie adjustments to avoid weight gain
- Plenty of vegetables and fruits daily – those which are brightly coloured contained high levels of antioxidants which are beneficial
- Reduce highly processed foods and refined grains
- Limit intake of red meat and processed meats
- Avoid sugar sweetened beverages which cause weight gain
- Whole grains such as brown rice, wholemeal bread
- Limit alcohol intake
- Avoid tobacco smoke
The best strategy to combat breast cancer is to lead a healthy lifestyle and try to reduce stress in our daily lives as much as possible. This includes maintaining a positive outlook in life, getting adequate rest and sleep, which will in turn keep our immune system strong. Most importantly, please attend regular screening and it will make all the difference!
Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Tan Yah Yuen, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery
Article also published on PORTFOLIO: https://www.portfoliomagsg.com/article/journey-to-better-breast-health.html
