Breast Cancer Treatment

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you at every step of your treatment journey, demystifying the process, while providing effective and evidence based treatments for you.

Dr Jesse Hu
Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery
Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher
Director, Consultant General Surgeon

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue, typically in the ducts or lobules. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, breast cancer is the most common cancer, affecting approximately 1 in 138 Singaporean women and accounting for almost 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women.

Treatment options for breast cancer involve a range of options depending on the type of cancer, as well as the size and location of the tumour.

Types of Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the patient’s needs. The types of breast cancer treatment available include:

  • Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy removes cancerous tumours and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving most of the breast. This procedure is typically performed for early-stage breast cancer and is suitable for women with small tumours relative to their breast size.

  • Mastectomy

Mastectomy is typically performed for larger tumours, tumours in multiple areas of the breast, or when the patient prefers to have the entire breast removed. Learn more about the types of mastectomy.

  • Lymph node removal

Lymph node removal removes lymph nodes in the armpit to determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast. A lymph node removal is generally performed with a lumpectomy of mastectomy.

  • External beam radiation therapy

External beam radiation therapy involves directing high-energy X-rays at the affected breast to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically performed after lumpectomy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

  • Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy involves inserting a radioactive implant into the breast near the cancer site for a short period to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumour. This is typically performed after lumpectomy and is suitable for women with small tumours relative to their breast size.

Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body or delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the affected breast through a catheter. Chemotherapy is typically administered intravenously in cycles lasting several weeks and is suitable for women with larger tumours or tumours that have spread beyond the breast.

Duration of procedure:
Several weeks - several months
Recovery time:
Depending on the drug used

Hormone therapy involves using drugs to block the effects of hormones, such as estrogen, that can stimulate the growth of certain breast cancer cells. This treatment option is suitable for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Duration of procedure
Several months - several years
Recovery time
Several weeks

Immunotherapy uses drugs that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. These drugs may be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Immunotherapy is generally reserved for patients with advanced breast cancer or those whose cancer has not responded well to other treatments.

Duration of procedure
Several months - several years
Recovery time
Depending on the drugs used

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins or genes involved in cancer cell growth and spread. These drugs may be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Targeted therapy is generally recommended for patients with certain types of breast cancer, such as HER2-positive breast cancer.

Duration of procedure
Several months - several years
Recovery time
Depending on the drugs used

Who Is Eligible for Breast Cancer Treatment?

Eligibility for breast cancer treatment in Singapore depends on several factors. These include:

  • Stage of cancer. Treatment options vary depending on the stage of breast cancer. Early-stage breast cancer may be treated with surgery alone, while advanced-stage cancer may require a combination of treatments.
  • Tumour size and location. The size and location of the tumour can determine the type of surgery required and the need for radiation therapy.
  • Hormone receptor status. Breast cancer can be hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-negative. Hormone receptor-positive cancers may be treated with hormone therapy, while hormone receptor-negative cancers may require chemotherapy.
  • Age and overall health. Treatment options may also depend on the patient’s age and overall health. Older patients or those with pre-existing medical conditions may not be suitable for specific treatments.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right doctor is a critical decision for breast cancer treatment. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a doctor:

  • Certification. Ensure that the doctor is certified by a recognised institution and has experience treating breast cancer patients.
  • Referrals. Ask for referrals from your primary care physician, friends or family members who have undergone breast cancer treatment.
  • Experience. Choose a doctor with experience treating your specific type and stage of breast cancer.

Preparing for Breast Cancer Treatment

Proper preparation before undergoing treatment can help improve overall outcomes and reduce stress. Here is a list of things to consider before starting treatment:

Understand your treatment options

Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your case. Ask questions and understand each option’s potential benefits and risks.

Arrange for a support system

Breast cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and you should have a support system. Reach out to family and friends, join a support group, or consider seeing a therapist to help manage the emotional toll of treatment.

Plan for practical needs

Treatment can sometimes result in side effects that may require changes to your daily routine. Consider making arrangements for childcare, transportation, and meal preparation to help alleviate stress during treatment.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and getting enough sleep can help prepare your body for treatment and improve overall health. Consult with your doctor about appropriate exercise and nutrition plans.

Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment In Singapore

The cost of breast cancer treatment in Singapore can vary depending on several factors such as:

Type of treatment

Different types of breast cancer treatment have different costs associated with them. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are among the most common types of treatment for breast cancer.

Stage of cancer

The stage of cancer can also affect the cost of treatment. Early-stage breast cancer may require less extensive treatment, while advanced-stage breast cancer may require more aggressive treatment.

Length of treatment

The length of treatment can also impact the cost. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, require multiple sessions over several months. Longer treatment durations will increase the overall cost of care.

Hospital fees

In addition to the cost of the treatment itself, additional hospital fees may be associated with the treatment, such as room charges and fees for diagnostic tests. Some treatments may require an overnight stay, while others can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage can help to offset some of the costs of breast cancer treatment. Check with our friendly clinic staff to understand what is covered and what is not.

What to Expect After

After completing breast cancer treatment, understanding what to expect in terms of recovery and follow-up care can help manage expectations, such as:

  • Recovery time. The length of recovery time after breast cancer treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment received. Patients who undergo surgery may need a few weeks to recover before returning to their normal activities, while those who receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience side effects for several weeks or months after treatment has ended.
  • Possible side effects. Depending on the type of breast cancer treatment received, possible side effects such as fatigue, pain, and lymphedema may exist. Your doctor will explain the potential side effects of your specific treatment and guide how to manage them. You should report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Follow-up Care

After breast cancer treatment, follow-up care is necessary to monitor any potential recurrence or side effects.

  • Regular check-ups. After treatment, continue with regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. These will help monitor for any cancer recurrence and evaluate your overall health.
  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs may be recommended periodically after treatment to check for any signs of cancer recurrence or new growth.
  • Medication management. Depending on the type of breast cancer and treatment received, some patients may need to continue taking medication to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
  • Lifestyle changes. Healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improve overall health. This can include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
  • Emotional support. Ongoing psychological support is vital, including talking to a therapist or counsellor, joining a support group, or connecting with other breast cancer survivors.

Dr Jesse Hu

Consultant General Surgeon, Breast, Thyroid & Endocrine Surgery

Dr Jesse specialises in managing both benign and malignant breast and thyroid conditions, which also includes breast pain, breast lumps, breastfeeding problems, neck lumps, amongst others.

Her dual expertise in cancer removal and plastic surgery techniques expands the design of individualized treatments, leading to holistic patient outcomes.

Dr Jesse was part of the teaching faculties of both NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of medical students and trainee doctors.

  • Surgical training at NUS School of Medicine
  • FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) Edinburgh, UK in 2014
  • Completed 2 Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowships at Oxford University Hospital, UK in 2016

Dr Jesse is recognized as an authority in breast cancer and thyroid surgery and a sought-after conference speaker.

Read Full Bio

Dr Felicia Tan Li Sher

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Felicia is actively involved in promoting breast cancer awareness. She has also been invited to give lectures and public talks on breast cancer related issues both locally and internationally.

Her clinical interest lies in treatment of breast cancer and the use of various surgical techniques to achieve the best oncologic and cosmetic outcome for her patients.

She is the pioneer of the procedure radioisotope occult lesion localisation (ROLL) in Singapore – which is used for locating non-palpable breast lesions and micro-calcifications for surgical excision.

  • Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery from the National University of Singapore
  • RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh)
  • Post-graduate training as a General Surgeon at NCC and SGH, subspecializing in breast surgery.

She is also adept with the whole range of breast surgical procedures including vacuum assisted biopsies and endoscopic (key-hole) breast surgery for breast lesions.

 

Read Full Bio

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    Breast Cancer Treatment In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Can breast cancer come back after treatment?

    Yes, breast cancer can come back (recur) after treatment. The likelihood of recurrence depends on various factors, such as the cancer stage at diagnosis and the type of treatment received. Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

    How often should I have follow-up appointments after breast cancer treatment?

    The frequency of follow-up appointments after breast cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment options chosen. Generally, follow-up appointments are recommended every 3-6 months for the first few years after treatment.

    Can breast cancer treatment affect my fertility?

    Some breast cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and hormone therapy, can affect fertility. Discuss your fertility concerns with your doctor before starting treatment.

    Can breast cancer be treated with alternative or complementary therapies?

    While some alternative or complementary therapies may help manage side effects or improve overall wellness, there is no evidence that they can cure or effectively treat breast cancer on their own.