REGULAR SELF-EXAMINATION IS KEY
Beyond advanced technology, experts said regular self-examination is ultimately key in the fight against breast cancer, which remains the most common form of cancer in the world.
But according to a new report released this month and commissioned by non-profit organisation Breast Cancer Foundation, nine in 10 young women are not taking active steps to ensure breast health.
Part of the problem is a lack of awareness of the need to screen for breast cancer, particularly among young women, said Professor Sim Yirong, senior consultant and head of the breast surgery department at Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore.
One in six women in Singapore with breast cancer is aged under 45, while one in 13 women are at risk of developing the disease.
Prof Sim said the issue is worsening due to several factors, including lifestyle changes like a more sedentary lifestyle.
“The most common misconception I see is: ‘I feel fine, I don’t feel a lump, I don’t feel any pain. There is nothing wrong’,” Prof Sim noted.
“But that’s where the screening mammogram comes in – to pick things up even before you get any symptoms, before you feel a lump, before there’s any discharge.”
She said women are encouraged to examine themselves at least once a month for any signs of breast cancer, even if they are below 40 years old.
In Singapore, women between the ages of 40 and 49 are recommended to have yearly mammograms.
“You may be too young for screening mammograms (but you should) still examine your breasts regularly,” Prof Sim cautioned.
“You are the best person to know when … you have a lump in the breast or lump in the arm.”
