1. 1 in 12 women in Singapore may develop breast cancer, but early detection significantly improves survival.
2. Preventative health is important — lifestyle factors matter.
3. Mammograms remain the gold standard for screening, and regular checks can detect cancer early when it is most treatable.
Breast cancer affects one in 13 women in Singapore - that's close to 8 per cent of all women.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, but advances in screening and treatment mean outcomes today are better than ever.
Understanding your risk, recognising myths, and going for regular screening can make a life-saving difference. Clin Assoc Prof Lim Geok Hoon, Head & Senior Consultant for KK Breast Centre at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), and Clin Asst Prof Mabel Wong, Senior Consultant at Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, both members of the SingHealth group, share more.
How Common Is Breast Cancer in Singapore?
Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women locally, with:
- More than 2,700 new cases diagnosed each year
- An average lifetime risk of about 1 in 12 women
- Higher occurrence in women aged 40 and above, though younger women can also be affected
- A 44% reduction in mortality, thanks to early detection and better treatments
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue. These cells can invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body.
It can begin in different parts of the breast:
- Ducts (most common)
- Lobules (milk-producing glands)
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not a single disease. Common subtypes include:
Hormone Receptor-Positive (ER/PR+)
- Most common type
- Treated with hormone-blocking therapies
HER2-Positive
- More aggressive but highly treatable with targeted drugs
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Lacks hormone and HER2 receptors
Often treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy
What Causes Breast Cancer?
There is no single cause of breast cancer.
Most cases are linked to changes in DNA, which may result from:
- Ageing
- Lifestyle factors
- Hormonal influences
- Genetic mutations
Think of it like a car accident — multiple risk factors increase the likelihood, but no single factor guarantees it will happen.
Are You at Risk of Breast Cancer?
- Being female
- Increasing age
- Family history (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)
- Overweight or obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Alcohol consumption
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Diet high in red meat and saturated fats
- Early menstruation or late menopause
- Having children later or not at all
- Not breastfeeding
Breast Cancer Screening: When Should You Go?
Screening detects cancer before symptoms appear, improving the chances of cure.
Recommended Screening Guidelines
- Under 40: Monthly breast self-examination (BSE)
- 40–49: Mammogram (discuss frequency with doctor)
- 50–69: Mammogram every 2 years (strongly recommended)
- 70+: Continue based on doctor’s advice
Important Note
- A mammogram is the gold standard for detection
- Blood tests (tumour markers, ctDNA) are not suitable for screening
How to Keep Your Breasts Healthy
Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight - Maintain a BMI less than 23 throughout your life. Weight gain and obesity may increase your risk of breast cancer.
- Exercise regularly - Adopt an active lifestyle. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity at least five days per week.
- Limit alcohol intake - Alcohol is one of the most well-established dietary risk factors for breast cancer. Women who consume more than two glasses of alcohol a day are at higher risk.
- Avoid smoking - The risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, and other health problems increases if you smoke.
- Eat a balanced diet - Consume more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), dark leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries and cherries.
- Consider breastfeeding if possible - Target to have your first child before 30. Mothers who breastfeed their babies for six months or longer may have a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer.
- Prevention is better than cure - Breast self-examination is recommended once a month about 1 week from the first day of menses. For women who no longer menstruate, choosing a date each month is an easy way to remember. Be sure to notify your doctor any breast changes such as redness, swelling, presence of a lump, skin changes or discharge from the nipple. For how to perform breast self-examination, click here.
- For women between the ages of 40 to 50: a mammogram every year after consultation with their doctor.
- For women above the age of 50: a mammogram once every two years.
These habits support overall health and may lower cancer risk.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
If abnormalities are found, doctors may perform:
- Biopsy (tissue sample testing)
- Imaging scans (e.g. CT, bone scans)
- Testing for hormone receptors and HER2 status
These results guide personalised treatment plans.
Latest Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment
Modern treatments are increasingly personalised, improving survival and quality of life.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs like trastuzumab and newer HER2-targeted treatments have significantly improved survival rates.
Hormonal Therapy
Used for hormone-sensitive cancers to reduce recurrence risk.
Immunotherapy
Now used in certain cases (e.g. triple negative breast cancer) to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
Precision Medicine
Genetic and genomic testing helps tailor treatments based on tumour characteristics.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, risk can be reduced.
For women at higher risk (e.g. strong family history):
- Preventive medications (e.g. Tamoxifen)
- Risk-reducing surgery
- Genetic counselling and testing
Why Early Detection Matters
Breast cancer outcomes have improved significantly because of:
- Earlier detection
- Better screening programmes
- Advances in treatment
When detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable and often curable.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- A lump in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge or inversion
Breast cancer is no longer a diagnosis to fear in silence. With greater awareness, regular screening and advances in treatment, many women today go on to live full, healthy lives. Taking small steps now — knowing your risk and going for screening — can make all the difference.
Ref: F26
Check out other articles on breast cancer:
Breast Cancer Screening: Your Best Protection Against Breast Cancer
Tips to Keep Your Breasts Healthy
What To Do If an Abnormality in the Breast is Detected
Breast Cancer Treatment: What Are Your Options
Breast Cancer Treatment: Patient-Centred Cancer Treatment
Breast Reconstruction: When Should It Be Done
What the Husband Can Do If His Wife Has Breast Cancer
Contributed by
Stay Healthy the Easy Way
Get trusted health advice, offers and more.
Get the Health Buddy App
Follow HealthXchange
