When to go for breast cancer screening?

How often should you go for breast cancer screening in Singapore and what is breast cancer treatment really like? DR TAN YIA SWAM, Director of Breast Friend Surgery and Wellness, shares some personal insights about breast cancer awareness and proactive care to help you stay informed and empowered.

In Singapore, there were more than 13,000 new breast cancer cases reported from 2018 to 2022 (data from National Registry of Diseases Office). This works out to be an average of 2,600 new cases per year, or more than 200 new cases per month. Breast cancer awareness campaigns have helped to inform the public about this common illness. One thing to know about breast cancer, however, is that when detected early, it can be cured.

In my practice, I find many women being fearful of breast cancer, to the point where they call it “the C word”. I firmly believe that it is just another illness and we should not demonise it, or give it power over us. Over the years, there have been great advances in breast cancer treatment. With better methods of screening and more effective treatments, survival rates are much improved compared to three decades ago when I was a student!

When to get breast cancer screening in Singapore?

Early detection is best done by annual mammogram screening – this can start at age 40. For women with specific risks, a specialist may recommend starting earlier or supplementing with another type of imaging (for example, ultrasound, 3D mammogram or MRI). The use of ultrasound scans is great to detect lumps or nodules, but the majority of these are noncancerous. There are many types of benign breast lumps such as cysts, fibroadenomas, fibrocystic changes, lipomas and papillomas. There are also different types of breast cancers, with different prognoses and outcomes.

Know your individual health risks, see a professional early and start breast cancer screening in Singapore at the appropriate age. By taking proactive action, even if a woman should develop breast cancer, it will be in the early stage (stage 1 or even stage 0). The treatments are smooth and patients can remain cancer-free for decades after. In recent years, there has been a worldwide trend of young women with no obvious risk factors developing breast cancer. There is ongoing research, but it may be years before good data is published. I urge all women to be aware and to at least be consistent in your monthly breast self-checks.

How is breast cancer treated?

Breast cancer treatment is multidisciplinary. This means that it will take a team of different specialists, working together, to ensure that the cancer is removed and the patient remains well in remission. The team also works together to have regular follow-ups, to look out for early recurrence and give the necessary treatments, so that the patient is disease-free again.

This team often comprises a radiologist, a surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a pathologist and an anaesthetist. A larger team of allied health professionals includes the breast care nurse, physiotherapist, psychologist, cancer coach and nutritionist.

As a breast surgeon, I’m often the first-touch healthcare professional for a woman with a new breast symptom. That could be a lump, a rash, itch, nipple discharge or discolouration. Sometimes, symptoms overlap. Many symptoms are innocuous, but some may be a manifestation of cancer. So, don’t panic, but also don’t dismiss them and consult a professional.

What happens after a cancer diagnosis?

I will arrange the necessary scans and a biopsy as necessary. Should we confirm a cancer diagnosis, often I will be the one coordinating the care plan for the patient. Breast cancer treatment is individualised depending on the type of cancer, various social factors (such as family history, age and stage of life in terms of family planning) and personal preference. Some patients need additional imaging, gene testing or fertility preservation. Meanwhile, some women want reconstruction; others want to preserve their breasts. Some women need systemic treatments before surgery; some are suitable for surgery first.

The initial few days and weeks are often chaotic. I always tell my patients not to get flustered, stay off Google and to stick with a breast cancer treatment plan. Focus on small milestones or checkpoints along the treatment journey. Often, women start comparing themselves online and get even more confused about why others had a different care plan!

The value of an experienced professional is to guide the patient and family in that initial period. I tell my patients, if you have to do a hike through a new, hazardous forest, wouldn’t you rely on a local guide to take you safely through?

How do I protect myself from breast cancer?

I always emphasise that education and knowledge are the best protection. Attend health talks, read health articles and find a good doctor for annual breast cancer screening in Singapore. Good breast care should start from young – parents can introduce breast self-examination to their children as a simple routine, just like brushing their teeth!

All women should be doing breast self-checks once a month, so that we know our normal. To help women with this, my business partner and I have launched a product to promote this habit. It’s called simply “Once-a-Month”. By subscribing to this programme, you get access to a monthly physical reminder to do your breast check, with guidance as needed.

Furthermore, the risk factors for breast cancer have been well studied. Lower your risks by keeping to a healthy weight and body fat percentage. Eat a balanced diet with enough protein. Try to exercise five times a week. Do not smoke and avoid alcohol.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of mental health: by having a resilient and strong mindset, women will be better able to cope with any kind of challenges in life. Even after breast cancer, women can go on to live a normal and full life!

About the doctor

Dr Tan Yia Swam is a general surgeon specialising in minimally invasive breast surgery, ultrasound-guided biopsy of breast lumps, aspiration of breastfeeding abscesses and surgery for breast cancer.

Breast Friend Surgery & Wellness
#04-82 St Anne Mother & Child Centre, Mount Alvernia Hospital, 820 Thomson Road
6320 3800 | breastfriend.com.sg | breastfriendsurgery.com.sg

This article on Breast Friend Surgery & Wellness, breast cancer screening and treatment in Singapore first appeared in the September 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!

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