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Empower yourself with knowledge and early detection to combat the disease effectively.

Charlotte Haley may not be a household name, but her efforts are the reason pink ribbons have become an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. In 1991, the Californian housewife — who had several relatives with breast cancer — began creating peach-coloured ribbons, which she handed out with cards, to raise awareness and advocate for greater government support in fighting the disease. The United States-based Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation later helped bring her ribbon into the spotlight, transforming it into the now-iconic pink ribbon. Today, this symbol is central to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October to promote screening and prevention. Wearing a pink ribbon, donning a pink tee or participating in a fundraiser signifies solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

However, the significance of breast cancer awareness goes far beyond symbolic gestures. Breast cancer poses a significant health threat to women worldwide, and addressing this challenge begins with knowledge and vigilance. The disease ranks as the foremost cancer affecting women in Singapore — one in 13 will encounter it during their lifetime¹. Globally, the World Health Organization identifies it as the most prevalent cancer in women across 157 of 185 countries.

Be Alert for Warning Signs

Breast cancer typically originates from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the milk ducts and glands. While it can affect men, it predominantly occurs in women, with over 99% of cases diagnosed in females.

To effectively monitor for signs of breast cancer, it’s essential to know the normal appearance and feel of your breasts. This awareness enables you to spot any unusual changes promptly. Key indicators to watch for include:

• A painless lump in the breast
• Skin over the breast is swollen and thickened
• Skin over the breast is dimpled or puckered
• Persistent itch and rash around the nipple
• Bleeding or unusual discharge from the nipple
• A nipple that is pulled in or retracted

Regular breast self-exams are vital. Conduct these exams monthly, about a week after your menstrual cycle concludes. For post-menopausal women, choose a consistent day each month to perform the exam. If you detect any lumps or abnormalities, consult a healthcare provider promptly; early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Keep in mind, not every anomaly indicates cancer. Some could be benign conditions like cysts, fibroadenomas, calcifications or infections.

Stay Breast Aware: Preventionand Screening

Being female significantly increases your risk of breast cancer. Additional risk factors include ageing, being overweight, undergoing hormone replacement therapy (specifically for postmenopausal women) and excessive alcohol consumption. Early onset of menstruation and late menopause (after age 55) also heighten the risk. A family history of breast cancer in a mother, aunt or sister puts women at greater risk — although it’s important to remember that 90% of breast cancer cases do not have a direct family link.

Reducing your risk can be achieved by maintaining an active lifestyle, managing your weight, moderating alcohol intake, abstaining from smoking, and breastfeeding for at least six months if possible. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection, which significantly improves outcomes. Singapore’s Health Promotion Board recommends that women aged 40 to 49 undergo an annual mammogram. Women 50 years and older should have a mammogram every two years to monitor breast health effectively.

Survival Prospects

Breast cancer remains a highly treatable condition. Detected early — at Stages 0 and 1 — the treatment offers survival rates exceeding 90%. Similarly, Stage 2 breast cancer is generally considered curable, meaning that medical evaluations typically show no signs of the disease after five years of sustained remission. In Singapore, the majority of breast cancer cases are identified at these early stages, enhancing prospects for successful treatment outcomes.

For Stage 3 breast cancer — while the condition becomes more challenging to treat — a cure remains possible with intensive treatment strategies. At Stage 4, the most advanced stage, the likelihood of a cure is lower, but treatment can still relieve symptoms and prolong life.

The continual improvements in detection methods and treatment technologies have led to better survival rates over the years. Interestingly, there has been a rising incidence of breast cancer among women under 40 globally, emphasising the importance of regular self-examinations regardless of age. Early detection is crucial; if you notice any abnormalities, seeking immediate medical advice could be life-changing.

Stages of Breast Cancer

• Stage 0: Cancer that has not yet become invasive (i.e. carcinoma-in-situ). Patients at Stage 0 have excellent prognosis and can often be cured with just surgery alone
• Stage 1: Almost always a small tumour that is confined to the organ
• Stage 2: Usually a bigger localised tumour, sometimes with limited involvement of nearby lymph nodes
• Stage 3: A much larger tumour with more extensive involvement of either the adjacent tissue or lymph nodes, but with no evidence of spread to other parts of the body
• Stage 4: Cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body

Beyond the Pink Ribbon

You do not need to wait for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to take action. Remind your family and friends to stay vigilant against breast cancer any time of the year. If someone you know has been diagnosed with the disease, consider offering practical help, such as cleaning, preparing a healthy meal or assisting with grocery shopping. Accompany them to chemotherapy or radiation sessions, and show that your support extends beyond awareness campaigns. Most importantly, be there to listen and remind them that they don’t have to face cancer alone — help is just a reach away.