October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Knowing it exists is not enough. Breast cancer is a leading common cancer among women in Singapore . 1 in 11 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and 1850 are diagnosed each year. We must take precautions like going for a mammogram if you are aged 40 years and above.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Here are some signs that you can look out . However, it is important to consult a Doctor for thorough examination and a mammogram.
1. Changes in skin texture
2.Swelling in armpit or near collarbone
3. You might feel a lump(s)
4. Constant, unusual pain in breast or armpit
5. Unusual nipple discharge
6. Sudden change in size or shape
7. Nipple inversion or change in nipple direction
8. Red or scaly rash on the skin or around the nipple area
9. Increase in size or shape of breast
10. Changes in appearance of one or both nipples
11. Irritated or itchy nipples
Busting the myths
Myth : I am young. Breast cancer only affects women above 45 years old
FACT: The youngest breast cancer case is Chrissy Turner who is 8 years old at that time
MYTH :I won’t get it because of my breast cancer-free family history
FACT: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Singapore
Myth : A mamogram can cause cancer
FACT: Mammograms require very small doses of radiation, its like going for an x-ray
Myth : I have a lump, I have breast cancer
FACT: Not all lumps are cancerous as it could be cysts. If you feel a lump, please consult a doctor for a thorough check up
For women who possess a CHAS cards, and are aged 50 to 69 years old, Singapore Cancer Society provides mammograms at no charge, to Singaporean women at the SCS Clinic @ Bishan.
For women aged 40 to 69 years old and do not meet the criterias to screen at the SCS Clinic @ Bishan or under the SCS FIT 50 programme, they may consider screening under the Community Mammobus Programme or with the SCS $25 Funding Assistance.
*Mammogram information extracted from Singapore Cancer Society website