Singapore Medical Guide | Singapore Healthcare

Breast cancer is still the most frequent cancer among Singaporean women. Approximately 6% of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

From cancer statistics between the years of 1998 to 2002, breast cancer accounted for 28% of all cancers in women and 4.1% of all deaths among women.The incidence of breast cancer continues to rise at about 4% per annum and our local rates (60 per 100,000 per year) is just slightly less than two-thirds of those in the US.

What is truly of concern is that 40% of all cases diagnosed, are in women under the age of 50 years.

Risk factors for breast cancer:

Early age at menarche
Late age at menopause
Late age at first live-birth
Prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy
One first- or second-degree relative with breast cancer
Personal history of    
-    atypical ductal hyperplasia
-    atypical lobular hyperplasia
-    lobular carcinoma-in-situ

Recommendations for breast cancer screening in normal risk group
(MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 2010)

1. Asymptomatic women < 40 years

Do not require breast screening with any imaging modality. Breast self-examination monthly to detect any abnormal lumps

2. Women 40-49 years

Ultrasound and clinical breast examination by a doctor is NOT routinely required. Mammographic screening should be patient’s own informed choice taking into account the limitations and potential harmful effects of radiation.

3. Women 50-69 years

Mammographic screening every 2 years. Ultrasound and clinical breast examination not routinely required

4. Women > 70 years

Mammographic screening is less beneficial. Recommendations should be individualised

At any age, if breast self examination detects any lumps in the breast, medical attention should be sought.