Clinical Assistant Professor Faith Leong, Consultant in Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), answers your questions on the most common cancer affecting Singaporean women – breast cancer.
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clinical Assistant Professor Faith Leong, Consultant in
Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery at
Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), answers your questions on breast cancer. SKH is a member of the
SingHealth group.
This forum is open from 1 Oct to 27 Oct 2024.
To submit a question, email it to singhealth.healthxchange@singhealth.com.sg
Please allow up to two weeks for your question to be answered. We reserve the right to choose which questions to answer, and to close the forum early. You will be notified by email if your question is answered and all answered questions will be shown on this page.
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1 in 12* women in Singapore will get breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women today and the leading cause of cancer mortality in Singaporean women.
The incidence of breast cancer in Singapore has
more than tripled over the last 50 years, with about 2,500 women diagnosed each year.
Given the gravity of the situation, it is pertinent that women are aware of their risk and take steps to protect their health.
With advances in surgical techniques and therapy, this dreaded diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.
The 5-year survival rates for women with breast cancer are:
Early detection is your best protection
The goal of screening is to detect cancers at an early stage before any symptoms develop, facilitating timely and effective treatment.
In addition to mammogram screening, each woman should perform
breast self-examination regularly (click the link to learn how to perform it correctly), looking out for new breast lumps, nipple discharge, as well as changes to the skin or nipple.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is critical to consult a medical professional for further advice. Lastly, women should endeavour to maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay physically active through regular exercise to lower their risk for cancer development.
In this "Ask the Specialist" Q&A, don't miss the chance to ask Dr Faith Leong any question pertaining to the risk, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Together, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones!
* source: According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022.
About Clin Asst Prof Faith Leong
Clinical Assistant Professor Faith Leong is a Consultant in Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery of Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) and a member of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre.
Her areas of clinical interest are in breast cancer and oncoplastic surgery, where emphasis is placed on balancing oncologic safety with cosmetic outcomes. She believes that patient care should be holistic and individualised to each patient through their treatment journey.
Ref: H24
