What is Breast Cancer?
The female breast is made up of a core of milk glands and ducts surrounded by stromal tissue and fat. When the cells lining the ducts and glands grow in an uncontrolled manner, breast cancer is formed.

When the cancer is confined within the ducts and glands, it is at the non-invasive stage and is called an in situ cancer. When detected at this stage, breast cancer can be treated and has a good chance of cure.

When the cancer invades into the stromal tissue, it becomes an invasive cancer. It can enter the lymphatic channels and spread to the lymph glands in the armpit (axilla). It can also spread via the bloodstream to other parts of the body, especially the bones, lungs and liver.

How Common Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore women. Chinese, Malay and Indian women are equally affected. The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing at the rate of 3% annually.

Breast cancer accounts for about 200 deaths per year.

Risk Factors

	Women above forty years of age
	Family history (mother, sister) of breast cancer, especially at young age (less than 35 years old)
	Previous breast cancer
	Previous abnormal breast biopsy (atypical ductal hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ)
	Hormonal factors such as early menarche, late menopause, no children or 1st child after 35 years
	Dietary factors such as high intake of red meat, saturated fat and alcohol
	Obesity and lack of exercise

Guidelines On Breast Cancer Screening
40 YEARS AND BELOW
- Monthly Breast Self Examination
- Clinical Breast Examination every 3 years
- Baseline Mammogram

40 YEARS AND ABOVE
- Monthly Breast Self Examination
- Clinical Breast Examination yearly

40 TO 49 YEARS
- Mammogram yearly

50 YEARS AND ABOVE
- Mammogram once every 2 years

Signs & Symptoms