Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Singapore and worldwide. It begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a lump or tumour. Although breast cancer mainly affects women, men can also develop the disease. The three main subtypes are hormone receptor positive (ER/PR-positive), HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancers. Each type behaves differently and requires specific treatment approaches.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore. One in 12 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime (Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022).
In 2022 (GLOBOCAN), breast cancer made up 30% of all cancers in Singaporean women, with an age standardised rate of 62.33 per 100,000 women in 2023.
(1) It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Between 2013 and 2023, Singapore’s age standardised mortality rate (ASMR) fell from 14.97 to 12.47 per 100,000, a 16.7% decline reflecting better access to treatments and interventions.
This is why early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer are crucial to improve survival and quality of life.
Some common signs to look out for include:
Early breast cancer may not show symptoms, which is why regular screening, such as mammograms, is important for early detection.
Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists in Singapore provides advanced care with a compassionate touch.
There is no certain way to prevent breast cancer, but certain lifestyle choices may help lower your risk.
Staying physically active through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake are among the factors associated with a reduced risk, particularly after menopause.
Avoiding prolonged use of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) where possible is also worth discussing with your doctor.
For women with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic risk factors, regular screening and early consultation with a breast cancer specialist may allow for closer monitoring and timely action if changes are detected.
Regular screening is the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, when treatment works best. In Singapore, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, making awareness and timely screening especially important.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the most widely recommended imaging tool for breast cancer screening.
It is recommended for women aged 40 and above, or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. Additional imaging, such as breast tomosynthesis (three-dimensional mammography, which produces a layered view of breast tissue) or MRI, may be used for further evaluation in selected cases.
Often used together with mammograms, especially for younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
Performed by a doctor to check for lumps or changes in the breast.
Regular self-examination helps you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Aim to examine your breasts about one week after your period begins, or on a fixed date each month if your periods have stopped.
Stand in front of a mirror and check with your arms at your sides, raised above your head, and hands pressed on your hips. Look and feel for new lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple changes.
If you notice anything different, speak to your doctor promptly. Self-examination does not replace medical screening.
Diagnosis involves several steps:
Women who carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (proteins that normally help suppress abnormal cell growth) have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic counselling can help assess whether testing is appropriate for you and what your results may mean for your care.
Breast cancer stages range from early to advanced:
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts of the breast and have not spread to surrounding tissue
A small invasive tumour with little or no lymph node involvement
A larger tumour or cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes
Locally advanced cancer with more extensive lymph node involvement or spread to the chest wall or skin
Cancer that has spread (metastasised) to other organs, such as bone, liver, lung, or brain
No two breast cancers are exactly alike, which is why breast cancer treatment at OncoCare is planned around your individual situation rather than a fixed protocol.
Your oncologist will consider the breast cancer stages and grade of your cancer, its hormone receptor and HER2 status, and your age, general health, and menopausal status.
In some cases, molecular or genomic testing of the tumour may be used to provide additional information about how the cancer is likely to behave and which systemic therapies may be most effective.
Your care team typically includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and, where relevant, a genetic counsellor, who will be working together to develop a plan that is right for you.
Breast cancer treatment depends on cancer stage, subtype, and patient profile. Your oncologist will discuss the most appropriate options for your specific situation, taking into account your overall health and personal preferences.
Local treatments target the cancer in the breast and surrounding tissue.
Surgery is often a key part of early breast cancer treatment. Options may include:
Breast reconstruction, using implants or the patient’s own tissue, may be discussed as part of surgical planning, with referral to a plastic surgeon where appropriate.
Breast cancer treatment is tailored to the stage of your cancer, and your oncologist will discuss the most suitable plan for your individual situation.
Ductal carcinoma in situ is typically treated with lumpectomy or mastectomy, often followed by radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the cancer is hormone receptor positive, hormone therapy for breast cancer may also be recommended.
Breast cancer treatment at this stage typically involves surgery, either a lumpectomy or mastectomy depending on tumour size and patient preference, followed by radiotherapy. Chemotherapy for breast cancer, hormonal therapy, or targeted therapy may also be recommended depending on receptor status and lymph node involvement.
A larger tumour or cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes
Locally advanced breast cancer treatment is typically managed with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Hormone therapy for breast cancer or targeted therapy may be included where relevant to the tumour subtype.
At Stage 4, cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The goal of stage 4 breast cancer treatment shifts towards controlling the disease, managing symptoms, and preserving quality of life.
Systemic therapy is the primary approach and may be combined with palliative care, which is support that can run alongside active treatment at any stage. Clinical trials may also be part of the pathway for eligible patients.
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. At OncoCare, you are supported by a team of senior medical oncologists with subspecialty experience in breast cancer treatment in Singapore, working together to develop a plan that is personalised to you.
Our breast cancer specialists are part of a wider regional network spanning Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, and have contributed to over 700 peer-reviewed publications and more than 60 clinical trials. Treatment plans are developed with close attention to your cancer’s specific biology, your overall health, and your personal circumstances, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome while minimising the impact on your daily life.
You do not have to face this alone. Our team of breast cancer specialists in Singapore is here to guide you from your first consultation through to post-treatment follow-up, every step of the way.
Breast cancer treatment does not end when your last session is complete. Recovery and long-term wellbeing are an important part of the journey. Your care team can provide guidance on post-surgery rehabilitation and lymphoedema prevention (managing swelling that may occur when lymph nodes are removed or damaged).
After treatment ends, follow-up care typically involves periodic reviews and imaging to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of recurrence.
Emotional and psychological support is also available, including access to peer support groups where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences. Palliative care is also available alongside active treatment for patients who would benefit from additional symptom management and support.
For guidance on eating well during and after breast cancer treatment, our oncology nutrition support service is available as part of your care.
Further support services and patient resources are available to help you and your family throughout the process.
Breast cancer treatment is tailored to the stage of your cancer, and your oncologist will discuss the most suitable plan for your individual situation.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore. One in 12 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Singapore, though survival rates have been improving steadily with advances in early detection and breast cancer treatment.
No. Most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), such as cysts or fibroadenomas (benign lumps made of glandular and connective tissue). However, any new or unusual lump should be assessed by a doctor promptly. Only a clinical examination and, where necessary, imaging or a biopsy can confirm whether a lump is cancerous.
Staging is determined after a series of tests, which may include imaging scans such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI, and a biopsy. Your breast cancer specialist will explain your breast cancer stage and what it means for your treatment plan at your consultation.
Chemotherapy for breast cancer uses medicines to destroy cancer cells throughout the body and is suitable for several breast cancer subtypes. Hormone therapy for breast cancer works by blocking or reducing the hormones that fuel certain breast cancers, specifically those that are hormone receptor positive (ER/PR-positive). Your breast cancer specialist will recommend the appropriate approach based on your cancer subtype and breast cancer stage.
Yes, though it is rare. Men account for a small proportion of breast cancer cases. The signs and risk factors are broadly similar to those in women, and breast cancer treatment approaches are comparable.
Yes, though it is rare. Men account for a small proportion of breast cancer cases. The signs and risk factors are broadly similar to those in women, and breast cancer treatment approaches are comparable.
Stage 4 breast cancer treatment means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While it is generally not curable, stage 4 breast cancer is in many cases manageable as a long-term condition. Stage 4 breast cancer treatment aims to control disease progression, relieve symptoms, and preserve quality of life. Palliative care and clinical trials may be part of the stage 4 breast cancer treatment pathway, and your breast cancer specialist will discuss the options most suited to your situation.
OncoCare offers a range of support services alongside active breast cancer treatment, including oncology nutrition guidance, psychological support, and access to peer support groups. Please visit our support services and oncology nutrition support pages for more information.