The pink ribbon is a recognised symbol to encourage women to undergo breast cancer screening.
(Photos from Shutterstock)
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of breast cancer. Joining the wave of support is Singapore Sports Hub, which had lit the National Stadium scupper in pink on 1 and 2 October to observe the occasion and to encourage more women to commit to regular mammogram screenings. In addition, the OCBC Aquatic Centre is running a one-time Aqua Fit Deepwater class for breast cancer survivors on 21 October.
A COMMON CANCER
Over 2,000 women in Singapore are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, making it the most common form of cancer among the gender. It is also the leading cause of female cancer deaths in the country, with one woman dying from it daily. According to the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), the incidence rate of the disease has tripled over the last 40 years, and one in 13 women here will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Though extremely rare, men can also suffer from the disease.
The good news is that if detected early, breast cancer has one of the highest cancer survival rates. While monthly self-examination of the breast for lumps is encouraged, going through a mammogram is currently the most reliable form of screening for the disease. It can detect the presence of cancerous lumps (called microcalcifications) even before they grow large enough to be felt with the hand.
Yet according to the Singapore Cancer Society, around 60 per cent of women aged between 50 to 69 years are choosing to skip their mammograms, which should be done once every two years after the age of 50, in addition to monthly breast self-examination. For women aged 40 to 49, the Health Promotion Board recommends that they consult their doctor on the potential benefits and limitations of having a mammogram. If they are recommended to screen, it should be done annually. For women aged 20 to 39, monthly breast self-examinations can help with timely detection of any irregularities.
Common reasons for the reluctance to have a mammogram include the perception that the procedure is painful and uncomfortable; and that the person thinks she is not likely to get breast cancer. However, such beliefs can result in deadly outcomes, as the chances of breast cancer survival are much higher when the condition is diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage.
Statistics from the Singapore Cancer Registry show that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer when detected early can be up to 90.7 per cent for Stage 1 cancer, and 80.5 per cent for Stage 2 cancer. When the disease is detected later, the odds of survival fall significantly: The survival rate drops to 66.2 per cent for Stage 3 cancer, and 24.6 per cent for Stage 4 cancer.
Monthly self-examinations, along with regular mammograms, can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities early.
UNDERSTANDING MAMMOGRAM AND HOW IT WORKS
In a mammogram, low-dose X-rays are used to create a horizontal and a vertical image of each breast, which is compressed between two plates. The compression helps to flatten and spread out breast tissue so that the image is clear and any abnormalities – even small ones – can be captured.
While an ultrasound test can also be used to detect breast cancer, they are not meant to be a replacement for mammogram. In situations where women are pregnant and cannot undergo a mammogram, or an already-detected lump needs to be evaluated further, an ultrasound – which uses high-speed sound waves to create images of the body’s tissues – may be used instead.
But an ultrasound cannot detect the tiny microcalcifications that mark the early stages of breast cancer the way that a mammogram can. Therefore, women are still encouraged to go for regular mammogram screenings to ensure the best chance of detecting the disease before it’s too late.
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM
To make breast cancer screenings more accessible, mammograms for eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are subsidised by the government, and walk-in appointments are available at polyclinics via the Screen for Life national health screening programme.
In addition, National Healthcare Group Diagnostics — under the National Healthcare Group, the healthcare system serving the Central region — runs a Mammobus that brings mammogram screenings into the community for those who may have difficulty getting to clinics or hospitals.
To reduce discomfort and anxiety before and during a mammogram, it may help to take note of these useful tips:
- Avoid scheduling your mammogram on the week before your period, as your breasts may swell or be tender to the touch. Seven to 10 days after the start of your period is ideal.
- Wear a two-piece outfit – such as a blouse and pants – instead of a dress or jumpsuit, so that you only need to remove your top during the mammogram.
- Do not apply deodorant, anti-perspirant, powder or lotion prior to your mammogram, as these items can show up in the X-ray and interfere with the results. Also, remove all jewellery before the screening.
- When you speak to your doctor, discuss any changes or anomalies in your breasts, as well as any part of your medical history that he or she should know about – such as a close family member who was diagnosed with cancer.
- While the pressure on your breasts during a mammogram may be uncomfortable, it will only last for a short while. Those 10 to 15 seconds might be all it takes to detect cancer and save your life.
WORK OUT FOR A BETTER YOU
Besides a family history of breast cancer, there are several other factors that are linked to a higher risk of the disease. They include body weight and lack of physical activity, especially in post-menopausal women. Besides having a healthy diet, it is recommended that women engage in regular exercise to avoid weight gain and to lower their level of oestrogen, which is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
