You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page.
Turn on more accessible mode
Turn off more accessible mode
Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Turn off Animations
Turn on Animations
CTDetailNew
It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.
Appointment
Find a Condition or Treatment
Find a Doctor
Menu
MAIN
Back to Home
About Us
Corporate Profile
Academic Clinical Programme (EYE ACP)
Newsroom
Calendar of Events
Contact Us
Patient Care
Conditions & Treatments
Specialties & Services
Your Clinic Visit
Day Surgery
Getting to SNEC
E-Services
Research & Innovation
About SERI
Research Groups & Platforms
Research Impact
Clinical Trials
Key Programmes
SingHealth Research
Education & Training
Overview
Residency
Fellowships
Other Programmes
SingHealth Academy
Careers
Why Choose Us
Career Choices
Job Opportunities
Sponsorships & Scholarships
Contact us
Giving
Why Give
Get Involved
Your Gift At Work
Be Informed
Make A Gift
Conditions & Treatments
Back to Home
Eye Conditions & Treatments
Common Eye Symptoms
Eye Conditions Brochures
Post-operative Care & Advice Leaflets
Find a Doctor
Find a Medicine
Specialties & Services
Back to Home
Clinics & Services
Clinical Subspecialties
Allied Health Services
Nursing
Bill Payment Options
Request for Medical Report
Medication Delivery Service
Online Eye Consultation
Your Clinic Visit
Back to Home
Clinic Locations
Patient & Visitor Policy
Registering at the Specialist Clinic
Patient Classification
Outpatient Consultation Charges
Financial Assistance
Digital Medical Certificates
Collecting Your Medication
Follow-up Appointment
Bill Payment Options
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Information for Travellers
Public Wifi
Amenities
Contact Us
Day Surgery
Getting to SNEC
Back to Home
Getting to SNEC
Car Park Information
Shuttle Service
Wheelchair Shuttle Service
Amenities
SNEC Branches & Affiliated Clinics
Contact Us
E-Services
Back to Home
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Find a Doctor
Pay Online
Bill Payment Options
Request for Final Bill
Request for Medical Report
Medication Delivery Service
Health Buddy App
Online Eye Consultation
Feedback & Enquiry
Home
to skip to the main content on a page
to skip to the main content on a page
About Us
Back to Home
Corporate Profile
Academic Clinical Programme (EYE ACP)
Newsroom
News Articles
Press Releases
Publications
SNEC Magazine (SINGVISION)
EyeSight
Calendar of Events
Contact Us
Check Fake News
Patient Care
Back to Home
Conditions & Treatments
Eye Conditions & Treatments
Common Eye Symptoms
Eye Conditions Brochures
Post-operative Care & Advice Leaflets
Find a Doctor
Find a Medicine
Specialties & Services
Clinics & Services
Clinical Subspecialties
Allied Health Services
Nursing
Bill Payment Options
Request for Medical Report
Medication Delivery Service
Online Eye Consultation
Your Clinic Visit
Clinic Locations
Patient & Visitor Policy
Registering at the Specialist Clinic
Patient Classification
Outpatient Consultation Charges
Financial Assistance
Digital Medical Certificates
Collecting Your Medication
Follow-up Appointment
Bill Payment Options
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Information for Travellers
Public Wifi
Amenities
Contact Us
Day Surgery
Getting to SNEC
Getting to SNEC
Car Park Information
Shuttle Service
Wheelchair Shuttle Service
Amenities
SNEC Branches & Affiliated Clinics
Contact Us
E-Services
Make/Change/Cancel Appointment
Find a Doctor
Pay Online
Bill Payment Options
Request for Final Bill
Request for Medical Report
Medication Delivery Service
Health Buddy App
Online Eye Consultation
Feedback & Enquiry
Research & Innovation
Back to Home
About SERI
Research Groups & Platforms
Research Impact
Clinical Trials
Key Programmes
SingHealth Research
Education & Training
Back to Home
Overview
Residency
Fellowships
Local Fellowship
Overseas Fellowship
Other Programmes
Undergraduate Programmes
Observerships
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Ophthalmic Nursing, Paramedical & Technician Training Courses
SingHealth Academy
Careers
Back to Home
Why Choose Us
Career Choices
Job Opportunities
Sponsorships & Scholarships
Contact us
Giving
Back to Home
Why Give
Singapore's Eye Health
Finding A Cure
Advancing Medical Education
Helping Our Patients
Reaching Out to the Community
Further Donor Impact
Get Involved
Make A Gift
Leave A Legacy
Become A Corporate Donor
Establish A Professorship
Create A Name Fund
Honour A Healthcare Hero
THE EYE BALL
Heroes Fund
Your Gift At Work
Meet Grateful Patients
Meet Donors Like You
Meet Our Researchers
Meet Our Educators
Be Informed
Latest News
What's Happening
About VisionSave
Our Publications
Visionary Award
Inspirational Patient Award
Make A Gift
Home
>
Patient Care
>
Conditions and Treatment
>
Breast Cancer
>
Other Information
Breast Cancer
Facebook
WhatsApp
Email Us
share
Font Resize
A-
A
A+
Print
Breast Cancer - How to prevent?
Breast Cancer - Preparing for surgery
Breast Cancer - Other Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common is Breast Cancer?
More than 29% of all cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancers. Between 2014 and 2018, about 2,246 women were diagnosed to have breast cancer in Singapore each year.
Nine out of 10 women who go to their doctors with breast lumps have a benign disorder, not cancer. Normal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can make breasts feel lumpy.
Can an injury to the breast cause cancer?
An injury to the breast cannot cause cancer. When the body tries to heal the bruise, it can develop scar tissue. This scar tissue can be mistaken as cancer on mammogram. However, symptoms of injury should subside within a month. If you are worried, seek confirmation from your doctor.
Are most breast lumps caused by cancer?
No. Only one lump out of every 10 will be cancerous. This means that 90% of all breast lumps are not cancer. However, the chance of a lump being cancerous increases as you get older. Some women do not have a definite lump, but can feel areas of general ‘lumpiness’ in their breasts. Often, your doctor will be able to reassure you that this is normal but it is important that you ask your doctor to check thoroughly for any change.
Can a benign (non-cancerous) lump turn into cancer?
The chances of cancer developing in a benign lump may be no different than in any other part of the breast. However, it is very important for you to make sure that the lump is non-cancerous in the first place.
If I have a benign breast problem, am I more likely to get breast cancer?
Occasionally, the risk is slightly higher in some women with particular benign breast problems. However, you will need to talk this over with your doctor.
Do benign problems come back?
Generally, no. However, a small number of women will develop new benign lumps in the future.
I felt a lump in my breast, but it didn’t show up in the mammogram. Does that mean I don’t have cancer?
A lot of women who find lumps in their breasts get frightened and they go for a mammogram. When nothing shows up, they’re very happy because they assume it’s not cancer. No test is perfect. Ask your doctor to conduct more tests and find out the cause of the lumps. Even though many breast lumps are not cancerous, you should still bring it to your doctor’s attention.
What if the lump turns out to be cancer?
If breast cancer is detected early, it has a better chance of being cured. You will need to discuss the diagnosis and the best treatment options with your treating doctor.
What should I do if my doctor says my breast problem is nothing to worry about but I still feel concerned?
If your doctor has suggested your problem is hormonal, you may wish to wait until after your next period to see if the problem is still there. If it persists or if you are still concerned, you may wish to go back to your doctor or seek a second opinion.
What if there is a history of breast cancer in my family?
Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, such as a mother and/or sister who developed breast cancer before menopause, may be at increased risk of getting breast cancer. If you are concerned about a family history of breast cancer, talk with your doctor. You may also wish to consult a breast specialist.
Will I still have my menstrual periods after breast cancer treatment?
Treatment with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy may cause changes in your menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular menstruation or early menopause. If you are already reaching menopause, your menstrual periods may not return.
Can I become pregnant when I have breast cancer?
The belief is that changing levels of female hormones during pregnancy could encourage the recurrence of breast cancer. However, there is no data to show that this is so. Some doctors will advise you to wait one or two years after completion of treatment before attempting to conceive. Nevertheless, do discuss with your doctor before planning to conceive.
When is a mastectomy recommended?
Some women do better cosmetically with a mastectomy than with the removal of just the lump, since breast reconstruction is now available using tissue expanders or skin flaps. Your surgeon will be able to advise if you are suitable for breast reconstruction.
The Singapore Cancer Society has a Reach to Recovery Programme that provides physical, cosmetic, post-operative and psychological support. The volunteer is usually a female who has undergone a mastectomy.
Early Detection & Prevention
If I go for mammogram screening regularly, will I be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation?
Radiation exposure from modern mammogram equipment is believed to be safe.
I have a lump in my breast. I am frightened to see the doctor in case it is cancer.
Although your worry is understandable, you should see your family doctor as soon as possible. The great majority of breast lumps are not cancerous.
My mother / aunt died of breast cancer. Am I likely to get breast cancer too?
A small proportion of breast cancer is linked to factors that can be inherited from one generation to the next. Depending upon the number of close relatives affected, you may have a greater chance than a woman who does not have a family history of breast cancer. Most family doctors or hospitals will provide information on breast self-examination and mammogram screenings.
Treatment
I have been diagnosed to have breast cancer. Will I get better?
Many women who have had breast cancer live a normal lifespan. Feel free to discuss your own prognosis with your doctor.
Will I need to undergo mastectomy?
This depends on the size, position and type of your breast cancer as well as the size of your breast.
Does radiotherapy or chemotherapy cause disfigurement and long-term damage?
It is uncommon for women to experience lasting damage from modern radiotherapy techniques. Most chemotherapy side-effects are short-term. Nausea and vomiting are controlled in most patients. Hair loss is still common, and you may require a temporary wig. Your periods may disappear during chemotherapy but may return when you complete chemotherapy. However, for women in their late 30s and 40s, menopause may occur early, perhaps increasing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. If a fever occurs while you are on chemotherapy, see your doctor immediately in case antibiotics are needed.
Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Why do I need hormone therapy?
Normal female hormones like oestrogen may promote growth of normal healthy breast tissue, but may also accelerate the growth and recurrence of certain breast cancers. Drugs that slow breast cancer growth by interfering with normal female hormone action are generically called hormone therapy. Some breast cancers need the hormone, oestrogen, to grow. Hormone therapy can prevent your body’s natural hormones from activating growth or spread of cancer cells.
What drug will I be given? What does it do?
The most common drug used for hormone therapy for breast cancer is the oral tablet, tamoxifen, which stops the action of oestrogen.
Will I have any side effects? What can I do about them?
You may experience any of the following common side effects:
Hot flushes/sweats. Wear a thin layer of clothing to keep cool when hot flushes occur.
Vaginal irritation. Some women experience vaginal dryness or discharge. Notify your doctor who can recommend a non-oestrogen cream or lubricant.
Irregular menstrual periods
Some pre-menopausal women experience irregular periods. Some women may find that once they stop taking tamoxifen, their menstrual cycle becomes regular again.
Other less common side-effects are depression, mood swings and a slightly increased chance of developing cancer of the uterus and deep vein thrombosis. Regular gynaecological checkups are recommended.
How long will I be on hormonal treatment?
When used to treat early breast cancer, tamoxifen is most often prescribed for 5 years. Patients with advanced disease may take it for varying lengths of time depending on their response to treatment.
Why do some women need hormonal treatment while others do not?
Many breast cancers have ‘receptors’ for oestrogen and progesterone. Receptors are proteins on the surface of the cancer cells to which specific hormones (e.g. oestrogen or progesterone) attach themselves. If the cancer has oestrogen or progesterone receptors, it is likely that hormonal treatment would benefit this group of women.
Prosthesis
What choice of prosthesis (breast forms) do I have?
There is a wide range available. The type of breast form you require will depend on your needs. It should closely simulate the weight and shape of a natural breast and your other breast. If you need advice, speak with your Breast Care Nurse.
Can the prosthesis be washed? How do I take care of it?
Yes, the prosthesis can be washed. Instructions on the care of the prosthesis can be found in the box when you purchase one. You should also place the prosthesis in the box when you are not using it.
Breast Reconstruction
What is a Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is an operation to create a new breast to replace the breast which has been removed. Breast reconstruction does not affect breast cancer survival or treatment. The procedure can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date. The breast can be reconstructed using an implant such as silicone, normal saline or tissue from your own body. This procedure requires further discussion with your surgeon.
When can breast reconstruction be done?
There are differing opinions on this. It can be done at the time of mastectomy, some months afterwards or even years later. The timing may depend on the type of breast cancer you have, whether you need further treatment (e.g. chemotherapy), how you feel about the loss of your breast or breasts, your general health, and other concerns such as costs. Talk over these issues with your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. You may wish to ask for a second opinion if you would like one.
Can I exercise after breast reconstruction?
It will be helpful to stay active and to exercise regularly if you can. Light exercise, such as walking after surgery, can assist in the recovery process. The amount and type of exercise will depend on what you are used to and how well you feel. It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Do I need to go for regular breast screening after a reconstruction?
It is important to have regular scheduled mammograms on the opposite breast. Breast self examination should continue. Check both the remaining and the reconstructed breast at the same time each month. You will learn what is normal for you since the breast reconstruction. The reconstructed breast will feel different and the other breast may have changed too.
Breastfeeding
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, can I still breastfeed my baby?
You can still breastfeed your baby from the unaffected breast. It is not advisable to breastfeed your baby on the breast that is affected by cancer, as it will not be able to produce adequate milk.
Can I breastfeed after lumpectomy and radiation therapy?
Yes, you can. Lumpectomy is not so extensive that it will affect your breastfeeding capacity, but radiation therapy will. The breast treated with radiation may go through the same changes as the normal one during pregnancy, but it will produce little or no milk. You can, however, breastfeed your baby with the other breast.
Can I breastfeed after mastectomy?
Yes, you can still breastfeed your baby with the other breast. Frequent nursing will be necessary at first so as to build up a good supply of milk.
Will I be able to breastfeed after a biopsy?
Yes. A biopsy will not interfere with your ability to breastfeed. Even if you need a biopsy while you are breastfeeding, you can still continue to breast-feed. However, you will need to discuss this with your doctor.
Arm Exercises
Why do I need to exercise?
You are encouraged to exercise your affected arm soon after your operation to prevent stiffness of the shoulder joint.
When can I start doing arm exercises?
It is normal to feel tired for a few days after an operation. You can start the exercises as soon as you feel strong enough. This can be as early as the first day after your operation. The sooner you start, the faster you regain your shoulder movements.
Click
here
for a hardcopy of our Breast Health booklet.
有关乳癌的中文册子,请点击
此处
。
For Breast Cancer Support Groups, click
here
.
Display Entire Article +
Post-Surgery Care
Tags:
Breast Surgery,
Medical Oncology,
Oncologic Imaging,
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery,
Radiation Oncology,
Surgical Oncology,
Breast Surgery,
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery,
Surgical Oncology,
3D-breast Tomosynthesis,
Breast Cancer (Early Detection and Screening),
Breast Clinical Assessment,
Breast Infection,
Breast Lumps,
Breast Radiological Evaluation,
Breast Reconstruction,
Breast Self Examination (BSE),
Breast Surgery,
Anastrozole,
Eribulin Mesilate,
Exemestane,
Fulvestrant,
Goserelin,
Lapatinib,
Letrozole,
Leuprorelin Acetate,
Megestrol Acetate,
Olaparib,
Palbociclib,
Pertuzumab,
Tamoxifen,
Trastuzumab
Article contributed by
SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre
The information provided is not intended as medical advice.
Terms of use
. Information provided by
Our Breast Team
Filter:
By designation or sub-specially
By Designation:
By Sub-Specialty:
TOP
[]
Related Conditions
3D-breast Tomosynthesis
Breast Cancer (Early Detection and Screening)
Breast Clinical Assessment
Breast Infection
Breast Lumps
Breast Radiological Evaluation
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Surgery
Breast Self Examination (BSE)
View more
Related Medications
Anastrozole
Exemestane
Lapatinib
Letrozole
Palbociclib
Pertuzumab
Trastuzumab
Tamoxifen
Olaparib
Goserelin
Megestrol Acetate
Eribulin Mesilate
Fulvestrant
Leuprorelin Acetate
View more
Healthy Living Tips
by
View more
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.
Breast Cancer Screening Screen for Life
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer and Mammogram
Click here for more healthy videos!
×
SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox...
Find a Doctor
Conditions & Treatments
Home
Appointment
E-Services