More Women Aged Under 40 Getting Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Singapore. About 10 per cent of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer are below the age of 40.

Younger women are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer such as triple-negative breast cancer, Her2 positive breast cancer or high-grade oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer accounts for about 15 per cent of all breast cancers, says Dr Ong Kong Wee, a senior consultant breast surgeon from the newly opened Mount Elizabeth Breast Care Centre at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

Doctors urge women to make monthly breast self-examinations a habit. Look out for abnormalities, such as a lump, skin changes or distortions, and nipple discharge, says Dr Ong.

Excerpt from article published on 10 Oct 2021, The Straits Times.