Healthy Lifestyle

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the growth of a malignant tumour composed of abnormal cells within the breast tissue. This growth spreads and destroys the normal breast cells. If this growth is not controlled, it will disseminate throughout the body and can be life threatening. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Singaporean women.

What are some of the risk factors for breast cancer?

• Age - 77% are over the age of 50.
• Family history - especially among first-degree relatives.
• Personal history of breast cancer.
• Reproductive history - among women who delay pregnancy or who never have children.

Currently, there are many studies being conducted to see if lifestyle choices have an effect on the development of breast cancer. For example, studies suggest that the rate of breast cancer in Asian women increase dramatically if these women adopt a Western lifestyle and diet.

At present, there appears to be an increased risk of breast cancer in women who:

• Are inactive.
• Smoke.
• Consume more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.
• Consume a high-fat diet.

Worldwide, one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

What are the warning signs of symptoms of breast cancer?

Warning signs may include:

• A painless lump in the breast or armpit is the most common sign. However, it’s important to remember that 8 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancerous.
• Swollen thickened breast skin.
• Nipple discharge.

More advanced cancer signs include:

• Dimpling of the breast skin.
• An inverted or crusty nipple.
• Swelling or redness of the breast skin.
• A contour change of the breast or nipple.

How are lumps found

Three types of screenings for breast cancer are recommended by health care professionals. The first type of screening is a monthly breast self-exam, starting at the age of 20. Most cancers appear as a single hard lump, and these can be detected easily by these monthly examinations. A nurse can show you you how to perform the breast screening exam. If a lump is found, it is vital that you see your physician immediately!

Complementing breast self-exam is an examination by a doctor (second type of screening). Breast physical exams conducted by the physician should be done every three years when a woman is aged 20 - 40, and every year after a woman has reached 40 years of age. 10% of cancers are found by clinical exam only.

Mammograms (third type of screening) are recommended every two years when a woman is aged 40 -49, and annually when a woman is older than 50. Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breast. Mammograms can detect breast tumours two years before they are large enough to be felt by a breast exam. It is important to remember, however, that mammograms miss up to 15% of the cancer, so manual exams are still important.

What can a woman do to reduce her risk for breast cancer?

• Conduct regular breast self-exams.
• Reduce the number of chest x-rays received, especially at a young age.
• Cut down on high-fat foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular brisk exercise.
• Restrict alcohol intake.
• Do not smoke.