I lost a friend to breast cancer just a few months ago.
We were acquaintances from church who subsequently lost touch during COVID. I was surprised to see her obituary in the papers one morning.
I found out that even with a doctor in the family, she decided there was always a later time for that mammogram. One day, she felt a small lump in the breast, but ignored it. Then the lump grew and when she finally visited a doctor, it was stage 4 cancer.
So, while I share this sad story, I also urge you to check that your friends or wives are going for their mammograms.
I received a call from our friend in the Philippines about a year and half ago.
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Her 30-year-old daughter had breast cancer; a 7cm lump. She was told to seek treatment in Singapore. After surgery, countless chemo and immunotherapy sessions, she’s been given the green light to resume a cancer-free life.
Subsidised services
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, take advantage of the various subsidised services provided:
- Free Mammogram Screening at Singapore Cancer Society’s clinic at Bishan (blue/orange CHAS cardholders)
- $25 subsidy by Singapore Cancer Society (at participating screening centres)
- Free for First-timers: Mammobus Breast Screening, Jurong Medical Centre By National Cancer Institute on 29 Oct and 5 Nov. For a guide to where the Mamobus is going to, visit National Healthcare Group Diagnostics’ Mammobus Schedule
- The National Health Screening Programme (Screen for Life) offers the following options:
- $50 for green CHAS holders, Singapore citizens
- $37.50 for Merdeka generation
- $25 for Pioneer generation
Self Test Guide
This should not replace a mammogram, but here’s a guide to self examination from the Breast Cancer Foundation.
