New Screening Initiatives Target Younger Women for Early Breast Cancer Detection

In Singapore, breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women, prompting new initiatives aimed at enhancing early detection and support.

Rising Cases Among Younger Women

Every year, more than 2,000 women in Singapore are diagnosed with breast cancer, with alarming statistics showing that one in six are under the age of 45, and approximately one in ten are under 40. In response to these trends, efforts are being made to create more accessible screening options.

Free Mammograms for Eligible Women

The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is now offering complimentary mammograms at its Bishan clinic for women aged 40 and above who hold either a Chas orange or blue card. This initiative is a shift from previous guidelines that only allowed women 50 and older to register for screenings.

Launched in September, this program aligns with the updated recommendations from the Screening Test Review Committee, which now advocates for annual screenings for women aged 40 to 49 with no symptoms, while suggesting mammograms every two years for those aged 50 to 74.

MammoXpress: Teleconsultations and Roadshows

In a separate effort, a partnership among Manulife Singapore, the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), and Parkway Radiology has introduced the MammoXpress Mammography Bus. This three-year collaboration offers free teleconsultations and mammograms to women 40 and older.

Appointments can be scheduled online and the bus will travel to various locations throughout Singapore, making it easier for women to access these vital services. Although mammograms are not typically recommended for women under 40 due to denser breast tissue, young women can still engage in a free teleconsultation to discuss their personal risk factors and receive tailored guidance.

Addressing Fear and Misconceptions

Jacob Soo, the CEO of BCF, emphasizes the importance of making discussions about breast health more approachable. He notes that many younger women may feel that breast cancer screening is not relevant or easily accessible to them.

A recent report by the foundation, titled A Study In Pink: Young Women And Breast Cancer, indicates that 90% of surveyed women aged 18 to 40 do not take proactive steps for their breast health, such as performing monthly self-exams.

Priyanka Rajendram, the clinical head at SCS, points out that fear often holds women back. She relayed that many women share concerns about the pain of screenings or doubt their effectiveness after hearing anecdotal evidence from peers. Others mistakenly believe that self-examinations can replace the need for mammograms or that they are not at risk without a family history of breast cancer.

The Importance of Early Detection

According to Lim Geok Hoon, an associate professor and head of the KK Breast Department at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the prognosis for breast cancer varies significantly based on factors such as the type of cancer and the age at which it is diagnosed. Early detection is key; for instance, the five-year survival rate for Stage 1 breast cancer is 99%, while it drops to 31.9% for Stage 4.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, it aims to shine a light on the stories of individuals like Lim and patient Shermin Shu, a muay thai practitioner who actively uses social media to promote awareness and positivity surrounding breast cancer.