Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Singapore today. 1 out of every 17 women in Singapore is likely to be afflicted by breast cancer, with more than 1,100 new cases diagnosed every year. It occurs when breast cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. The majority of breast cancers start in the milk ducts. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body such as the bones and liver.

Risk Factors 1. Family history of breast cancer      Eg. mother, sister, aunt or grandmother 2. Personal history of breast cancer 3. Early menstruation, i.e. before the age of 12 4. Late menopause, i.e. after the age of 55 years 5. Having the first child after the age of 30 6. Women on long term use of combined hormone replacement therapy Signs & Symptoms 1. A thickening or lump in or near the breast 2. A change in the size or shape of the breast 3. A change in the colour or feel of the skin of the breast, areola or nipple 4. Bleeding or bloody nipple discharge 5. Itch and rash on the nipple 6. A recently retracted or inverted nipple These symptoms may be caused by a number of problems and may not indicate the presence of cancer, but if any of the above symptoms persists or is bothering you, do consult your doctor for advice. Screening Consultation Treatment Breast Cancer screening is available at: §National Cancer Centre   (Diagnostic) §Changi General Hospital §KK Women's & Children's Hospital §Singapore GeneralHospital §SingHealth Polyclinics Please refer to section 11 for breast cancer screening guidelines. You can seek consultation at the following institutions: §National Cancer Centre §Changi General Hospital §KK Women's & Children's Hospital §Singapore GeneralHospital Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, ranging from a lumpectomy to mastectomy or involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy.