What's Key to Surviving Breast Cancer?

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What's Key to Surviving Breast Cancer?

Last updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 5 min reading time

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More women are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year. According to the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the number of women with breast cancer has increased 3 times from 40 years ago. Breast cancer is now the leading cancer for women and the number 1 cause of cancer deaths of women in Singapore.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that regular breast screening reduces 25% of breast cancer deaths in women over the age of 50. When cancer is detected early, there are higher chances of survival and recovery, more treatment options to choose from, and higher chances of preserving the breast.

Unfortunately, fear is still a hurdle for many women when choosing to go for a mammogram, the key to early detection of breast cancer.

Here are some truths to remember, if you are still hesitating to get screened.

Hurdle #1: "I am healthy – things like cancer don't happen to me!"

Hurdle #2: "I don't have any symptoms. Why should I go for screening?"

Hurdle #3: "Mammogram has radiation and it will kill healthy cells in my body!"

Hurdle #4: "I am scared – what if I really have cancer?"

Reality: As you age, your risk for developing breast cancer increases.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends all women above 50 to go for breast screening once every 2 years, and those above 40 to go for annual breast screening after consulting with their doctors about the potential benefits and risks.

So – make the right choice for yourself and your loved ones. Fear and uneasiness is a small price to pay if it means detecting breast cancer early. There's no excuse not to screen. It's your life and no one can protect it better than you.

Article tags

Cancer care & prevention Women's health