Breast Cancer is the top cancer in Singapore women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Singapore. About 313 of the 1300 Singaporean females who are diagnosed with breast cancer died every year. These fatalities could be avoided because early detection can cure breast cancer. It is therefore very important for every woman to go for regular breast examination.

The risk factors for breast cancer include the following:

• Family history of breast cancer especially at a young age.
• Women who are above 40 years old.
• Early menarche or onset of menstruation at puberty (before 12 years)
• Late menopause (after 55 years).
• Women with no children or 1st child after 35 years old.
• Unhealthy dietary habits such as high intake of alcohol.
• Obesity.
• Lack of exercise.

Early breast cancers do not cause any signs or symptoms which only appear when the cancer has grown. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

• A newly retracted nipple
• Skin redness or skin sore
• Abnormal discharge from the nipple
• Bleeding from the nipple
• Lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area
• Change in size or shape of the breast

Breast cancer can be treated if detected early. The earlier the breast cancer is detected the better the chances of survival.

Go for your mammogram if you are above 40 years before it is too late.