Breast cancer is on the rise in the world, including Singapore. Here, almost 1,100 new cases are diagnosed while about 250 women die from breast cancer each year. The disease is treatable and curable when detected at its earliest stage. Treatments usually involve surgery such as: Lumpectomy is a breast conserving surgery performed for early breast cancer. The surgery involves removal of cancerous part of the breast with a margin of normal tissue around the cancer. Mastectomy involves a more major surgery to remove the entire breast if the cancer is too extensive. The good news is that with breast reconstruction, women can look just as good after a mastectomy. It is a surgical procedure to recreate a breast using her own body tissue or implants made from silicone or saline. SCREENING The NIP Programme at NCCS analyses your medical history, conducts a physical examination then formulates a package of test best suited to your risk-profile. Help yourself by conducting breast self-examination. Be alert to: • A persistent lump in the breast – usually single, firm painless. • A change in the nipple or areola such as a persistent rash or nipple retraction (nipple   pulled into the breast) • A change in the colour or appearances of the skin of the breast such as redness,   puckering or dimpling. • Bloody discharge from the nipples • A change in the size of shape of the breast. If you detect any of these signs, don’t delay. See you family doctors at the National Cancer Center Singapore (NCCS). INFORMATION: National Cancer Center Singapore The above information is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice. Consult your Family Doctor or a Specialist if you have any concerns about your health.