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| Staying Abreast of Breast Cancer - Doctor Q&A Breast cancer is the number one female cancer in Singapore but early detection can help save lives. From diagnosis to survivorship, ask our specialist,
Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant from the
Division of Medical Oncology at
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the
SingHealth group, all about this disease. This forum is open from
1 Oct to 28 Oct 2020. To post your question, please log in as a member. If you are not a member, you can register for a FREE membership
here. If you have problems posting your questions, please email your questions to
marcom@healthxchange.com.sg
Kindly note: Your question will only go live/appear after the doctor answers it |
seoach
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| Breast cancer is the number one female cancer in Singapore but early detection can help save lives. From diagnosis to survivorship, ask our specialist,
Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant from the
Division of Medical Oncology at
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the
SingHealth group, all about this disease. This forum is open from
1 Oct to 28 Oct 2020. To post your question, please log in as a member. If you are not a member, you can register for a FREE membership
here. If you have problems posting your questions, please email your questions to
marcom@healthxchange.com.sg
Kindly note: Your question will only go live/appear after the doctor answers it | | | | | 15 | 9/25/2020 11:57 AM | 9/29/2020 6:47 PM | No | Staying Abreast of Breast Cancer - Doctor Q&A | 1.9250612633917 | | | 9/25/2020 11:15 AM | Forum Admin | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:33 PM | | | |
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| What is the cause of having breast cysts? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Saijing, A breast cyst is a fluid-filled round or ovoid mass derived from the terminal duct lobular units (TDLU). Cysts begin as fluid accumulation in the TLDU because of distension and obstruction of the efferent ductule. Breast cysts are common masses found in pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women. They are influenced by hormonal functions and fluctuation. |
Saijing
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| What is the cause of having breast cysts? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Saijing, A breast cyst is a fluid-filled round or ovoid mass derived from the terminal duct lobular units (TDLU). Cysts begin as fluid accumulation in the TLDU because of distension and obstruction of the efferent ductule. Breast cysts are common masses found in pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women. They are influenced by hormonal functions and fluctuation. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/5/2020 3:08 PM | 10/13/2020 4:33 PM | | | | | | 10/5/2020 3:08 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:27 PM | | | |
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| Other than going for regular mammogram and maintain healthy lifestyle, is there any kind of food that we should avoid (eg: dairy) to reduce risk of getting breast cancer? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Jeanlee888, As you have rightly pointed out, screening mammogram and healthy lifestyle are important. With respect to diet, I would suggest adopting a healthy and balanced diet. |
Jeanlee888
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| Other than going for regular mammogram and maintain healthy lifestyle, is there any kind of food that we should avoid (eg: dairy) to reduce risk of getting breast cancer? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Jeanlee888, As you have rightly pointed out, screening mammogram and healthy lifestyle are important. With respect to diet, I would suggest adopting a healthy and balanced diet. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/5/2020 7:01 PM | 10/13/2020 4:27 PM | | | | | | 10/5/2020 7:01 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:40 PM | | | |
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| What is your advice regarding the choice of lumpectomy vs mastectomy when a lump is found? If found at very early stage, is it advisable to go for mastectomy to reduce risk of recurrence in the future? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Jeanlee888, Thank you for your question. This discussion usually takes place between the surgeon and patient. There are many aspects to the decision. For example: What is the ratio of breast lump / tumor to the breast volume. Are there other suspicious lumps on imaging? The patient’s preferences are also taken into consideration. Adjuvant radiation is recommended to most patients with breast conserving surgery. The local recurrence rate after contemporary treatment with breast conserving treatment is no longer considered higher than after mastectomy.
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Jeanlee888
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| What is your advice regarding the choice of lumpectomy vs mastectomy when a lump is found? If found at very early stage, is it advisable to go for mastectomy to reduce risk of recurrence in the future? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Jeanlee888, Thank you for your question. This discussion usually takes place between the surgeon and patient. There are many aspects to the decision. For example: What is the ratio of breast lump / tumor to the breast volume. Are there other suspicious lumps on imaging? The patient’s preferences are also taken into consideration. Adjuvant radiation is recommended to most patients with breast conserving surgery. The local recurrence rate after contemporary treatment with breast conserving treatment is no longer considered higher than after mastectomy.
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:46 PM | | | |
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| Hi. This year I am 58. 6 months ago I started HRT just to test whether my general well-being may be enhanced by that (I started suffering from oesteopenia and vaginal dryness). The question to you is whether HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. My hormone doctor says that is does not. No breast cancer in the family, but colon cancer yes. Regards, Giuseppina Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Giuseppina, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has its risk of breast cancer while its benefit includes reduction of fracture. If your concern is bone health, I would suggest to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, engage in regular physical activity, achieve normal body weight and avoid smoking and alcohol use. As for vaginal atrophy symptoms (dryness) I would suggest using vaginal estrogen cream. |
Giuseppina
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| Hi. This year I am 58. 6 months ago I started HRT just to test whether my general well-being may be enhanced by that (I started suffering from oesteopenia and vaginal dryness). The question to you is whether HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. My hormone doctor says that is does not. No breast cancer in the family, but colon cancer yes. Regards, Giuseppina Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Giuseppina, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has its risk of breast cancer while its benefit includes reduction of fracture. If your concern is bone health, I would suggest to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, engage in regular physical activity, achieve normal body weight and avoid smoking and alcohol use. As for vaginal atrophy symptoms (dryness) I would suggest using vaginal estrogen cream. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/5/2020 7:54 PM | 10/13/2020 4:46 PM | | | | | | 10/5/2020 7:54 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:53 PM | | | |
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| Hi Dr, I have a IUD Mirena for a year. I have PMS symptoms every month but no periods for many months. My breasts will swell every month for about 10-14 days prior to period. The swelling will cause some pain on my right breast, near the breastbone. It will go away after "period" day is over. It recurs the next month or so. Will this swelling cause any hardening of the breast tissue and eventually a lump may occur? I'm scheduled for my mammogram next Jan. My last scan was 2 years ago. I'm 44 this year. Can I get breasts ultrasound to check on them?
My mother died of breast cancer and had it when she was 57. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi R33,
If you are concerned about the breast swelling or lump(s), I would advise you to go to your preferred primary health physician for an assessment and he / she can decide whether to refer you for earlier scans. |
R33
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| Hi Dr, I have a IUD Mirena for a year. I have PMS symptoms every month but no periods for many months. My breasts will swell every month for about 10-14 days prior to period. The swelling will cause some pain on my right breast, near the breastbone. It will go away after "period" day is over. It recurs the next month or so. Will this swelling cause any hardening of the breast tissue and eventually a lump may occur? I'm scheduled for my mammogram next Jan. My last scan was 2 years ago. I'm 44 this year. Can I get breasts ultrasound to check on them?
My mother died of breast cancer and had it when she was 57. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi R33,
If you are concerned about the breast swelling or lump(s), I would advise you to go to your preferred primary health physician for an assessment and he / she can decide whether to refer you for earlier scans. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/5/2020 10:30 PM | 10/13/2020 4:53 PM | | | | | | 10/5/2020 10:30 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:59 PM | | | |
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| Dear Dr Beh,
So far my breast nodules do not show up on mammogram but were discovered by chance when I felt the hard lumps. They do show up when followed up with a ultra sound scan though. Will a hard breast nodule of 4X3X5mm turns malignant over time if it is not removed? Why is biopsy not the standard operating procedue for following up on hard nodules (regardless of the size) before it is too 'late'?
Thank you!
Mrs Toh Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Mrs Toh,
It really depends on the appearance of the breast nodule(s) on the ultrasound. Please discuss further with your treating physician if you are still concerned about his / her recommendation. |
llytoh34
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| Dear Dr Beh,
So far my breast nodules do not show up on mammogram but were discovered by chance when I felt the hard lumps. They do show up when followed up with a ultra sound scan though. Will a hard breast nodule of 4X3X5mm turns malignant over time if it is not removed? Why is biopsy not the standard operating procedue for following up on hard nodules (regardless of the size) before it is too 'late'?
Thank you!
Mrs Toh Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Mrs Toh,
It really depends on the appearance of the breast nodule(s) on the ultrasound. Please discuss further with your treating physician if you are still concerned about his / her recommendation. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/6/2020 1:13 PM | 10/13/2020 4:59 PM | | | | | | 10/6/2020 1:13 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 5:08 PM | | | |
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| Hi Dr Beh, I observe that the areola at my right breast has tiny protruding spots surrounding the nipple. I can feel itchiness occassionally but no pain so far. Is it normal? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Synergy,
Thank you for your question. I am unable to tell for sure whether these spots are benign or not based on your description. I would suggest that you see your preferred primary care physician for an assessment. |
Synergy
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| Hi Dr Beh, I observe that the areola at my right breast has tiny protruding spots surrounding the nipple. I can feel itchiness occassionally but no pain so far. Is it normal? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Synergy,
Thank you for your question. I am unable to tell for sure whether these spots are benign or not based on your description. I would suggest that you see your preferred primary care physician for an assessment. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/6/2020 10:34 PM | 10/13/2020 5:08 PM | | | | | | 10/6/2020 10:34 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 5:20 PM | | | |
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| hello,
any maintenace treatment for Tnbc? Mastectomy & 4 sessions of Taxotere + Cytoxane on 9/2019?
tnx. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi moty1234, If your chemotherapy was given before operation, which we call neoadjuvant chemotherapy, post-operation (adjuvant) chemotherapy may be considered in some cases. Otherwise, there is no further treatment recommended. |
moty1234
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| hello,
any maintenace treatment for Tnbc? Mastectomy & 4 sessions of Taxotere + Cytoxane on 9/2019?
tnx. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi moty1234, If your chemotherapy was given before operation, which we call neoadjuvant chemotherapy, post-operation (adjuvant) chemotherapy may be considered in some cases. Otherwise, there is no further treatment recommended. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/7/2020 7:51 PM | 10/13/2020 5:20 PM | | | | | | 10/7/2020 7:51 PM | | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 5:27 PM | | | |
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| Question posted by Anonymous Hi, I would like to ask Dr Beh if she knows if hormone receptor breast cancer patients can drink bird nest and chicken essence pls? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi, Yes. I would recommend leading a healthy lifestyle including having a healthy, balanced diet. |
seoach
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| Question posted by Anonymous Hi, I would like to ask Dr Beh if she knows if hormone receptor breast cancer patients can drink bird nest and chicken essence pls? Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi, Yes. I would recommend leading a healthy lifestyle including having a healthy, balanced diet. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/12/2020 11:21 AM | 10/13/2020 5:27 PM | | | | | | 9/25/2020 11:15 AM | Forum Admin | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 11:54 AM | | | |
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| Question posted by Ms Chow Dear Dr Beh Sok Yuen, My breast ultrasound shows that I have cysts. I had biopsy done in 2018 and result showed benign fibroadenoma. Do I need to do both ultrasound and mammogram screening every year? I am 50 years old. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Ms Chow, Follow up of fibroadenoma will depend on your ultrasound findings too. If it is just a simple solitary fibroadenoma, the patient will usually only need to undergo mammogram screening every two years. I see that you mentioned your ultrasound showed more than one cyst. Your doctor will advise you on the frequency of follow-up depending on the appearances of the other cysts. |
seoach
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| Question posted by Ms Chow Dear Dr Beh Sok Yuen, My breast ultrasound shows that I have cysts. I had biopsy done in 2018 and result showed benign fibroadenoma. Do I need to do both ultrasound and mammogram screening every year? I am 50 years old. Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Ms Chow, Follow up of fibroadenoma will depend on your ultrasound findings too. If it is just a simple solitary fibroadenoma, the patient will usually only need to undergo mammogram screening every two years. I see that you mentioned your ultrasound showed more than one cyst. Your doctor will advise you on the frequency of follow-up depending on the appearances of the other cysts. | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/12/2020 11:24 AM | 10/13/2020 11:54 AM | | | | | | 9/25/2020 11:15 AM | Forum Admin | | |
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Edited: 10/13/2020 4:05 PM | | | |
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Question posted by Madam Loh Dear Dr Beh I'm already aged 67. My last mammogram was in 2015. Do I need to go for it again?
Where can I go to get cheaper or subsidised rate as I'm not working? Thank you.
Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Mdm Loh, Women aged 50 years old and above are recommended to go for a mammogram once every two years. You can find helpful information on screening eligibility and subsidy in English, Chinese and Tamil via HealthHub's website:
www.healthhub.sg |
seoach
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Question posted by Madam Loh Dear Dr Beh I'm already aged 67. My last mammogram was in 2015. Do I need to go for it again?
Where can I go to get cheaper or subsidised rate as I'm not working? Thank you.
Answered by Dr Beh Sok Yuen, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) Hi Mdm Loh, Women aged 50 years old and above are recommended to go for a mammogram once every two years. You can find helpful information on screening eligibility and subsidy in English, Chinese and Tamil via HealthHub's website:
www.healthhub.sg | | seoach | 1 | | 0 | 10/12/2020 11:33 AM | 10/13/2020 4:05 PM | | | | | | 9/25/2020 11:15 AM | Forum Admin | | |
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