Breast Cancer Treatment, Risk Evaluation and Screening
At Breast Surgery Care Partners, we provide breast cancer treatment in Singapore with a focus on early detection, one-on-one care, and achieving your desired surgical outcomes. Whether you are seeking risk evaluation and screening, newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, our team offers compassionate guidance, reliable diagnostic tools, and updated surgical solutions to support your journey to recovery.
Breast health awareness and preventative care are important components in every woman’s selfcare journey
Understanding Breast Cancer
The breast is made up of lobules, ducts, and fatty tissue. Breast cancer develops when mutations cause abnormal cells in the breast to lose their normal growth control, multiply rapidly, and form a tumour. The most common form of breast cancer arises from the milk ducts and is known as invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. It is preceded by the Stage 0 condition, ductal carcinoma in situ. The next most common form of breast cancer arises from the lobules and is known as invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. Other specialised subtypes include pure tubular carcinoma, pure mucinous carcinoma, pure cribiform carcinoma, encapsulated papillary carcinoma or solid papillary carcinoma, adenoid cystic and other salivary carcinomas, micropapillary carcinoma and metaplastic carcinoma. If not detected early, these cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues, spread to the lymph nodes, or spread to other parts of the body. The most common distant organs involved by breast cancer metastases are the liver, lungs, bone and brain. Understanding your specific diagnosis is the first step toward effective breast cancer surgery and overall care.
Early detection through screening and risk assessment or early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates, allows patients to choose from a wider range of possible surgical treatments, to attain better functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Why does breast cancer occur?
Breast cancer risk factors
Personal Profile
Age
With increasing age, the likelihood of cell mutations that accumulate increases as well, which therefore leads to a higher personal risk of cancer.
Gender
While breast cancer predominantly affects women, <1% of cases occur in men.
Breast Density
Dense breast tissue can increase the risk of breast cancer and make mammogram detection more challenging.
Family History
A first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer can double your risk of developing breast cancer.
Genetic Predisposition
Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genes (e.g., ATM, PALB2, TP53) contribute to inherited breast cancer risk.
Medical History
Previous Breast
Cancer
Patients with prior history of breast cancer are advised to continue surveillance because of the risk of new cancer development or recurrence.
High-risk Breast
Lesions
Conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) significantly raise the risk of developing breast cancer.
Prior Chest
Radiation
Radiation treatment before age 30 (e.g., for Hodgkin’s disease) increases the risk of developing cancer.
Hormonal and Lifestyle Risk Factors that Increase Lifetime Estrogen Exposure
Early Menarche & Late Menopause
Increased lifetime estrogen exposure heightens risk.
Nulliparity & Lack of Breastfeeding
Estrogen decreases prior to childbirth and throughout breastfeeding, decreasing our breast cancer risk.
Hormone Therapy & Contraceptives
Prolonged combined hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive use may slightly increase risk.
Personalised Breast Cancer Risk Evaluation
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tools
Breast Density Evaluation
Genetic Testing & Counselling
We endeavour to offer you the best medical advice to empower you to make informed decisions about your health
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast Cancer Screening Modalities
Mammography
Screening mammograms are safe and non-invasive studies which have been scientifically proven to reduce our risk of breast cancer mortality by up to 50%.
1. Digital Mammography (2D Mammography)
These images can also be analysed on computerised systems using sophisticated radiology programmes, including magnification, brightness and contrast adjustments, and drawing of direct comparison to previously obtained mammograms. Standard digital mammography is widely considered as the most reliable procedure for routine cancer screening. Two views are required for each breast, so a typical mammogram involves 4 sets of compressions and image captures. While a digital mammogram does involve radiation, the small dose of approximately 0.4 mSv is only what one would receive from approximately 7 weeks of background exposure from normal everyday life, a fraction of our annual natural background radiation exposure, and the equivalent of 2 return transatlantic airplane flights (e.g. from Singapore to USA).
2. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT; 3D Mammography)
A series of fine-cut digital 2D X-ray images are captured to rebuild a 3D picture of the breast.
While the physical experience for the patient is similar to the 2D digital mammography, during DBT, the X-ray tube moves in a gradual arc-like motion across the breast, taking the images from multiple angles. The 2D images are digitized into a 3D image which demonstrates more detail. This is conceptually similar to the computed tomography (CT) scan. While 2D mammograms are still the standard for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages, 3D mammograms present a greater sensitivity, and benefit women with dense breast tissue. Tomosynthesis is becoming a new gold standard in breast imaging. The total radiation dose is just under three times that of a 2D mammogram but is still falls within safety limits. DBT requires more time to both acquire and interpret the images, therefore the cost is generally higher; however sensitivity is improved.
3. Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM)
Contrast helps us highlight abnormal blood vessels and hyperactive tissues that usually occur with cancerous lesions, revealing cancers that may not have been seen on regular 2D mammography. It requires more time to perform a CEM because a few more minutes are required for the contrast to flow from the injection site to the breast; however the time spent on a CEM is considerably less than a full breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
A CEM is not a standard screening modality. It can be a useful screening tool in patients with who are of high risk of developing breast cancer, dense breasts, are claustrophobic, or are allergic to MRI contrast or have MRI-incompatible implanted devices, and hence cannot undergo breast MRI. When one receives contrast, the breast tissue may absorb more radiation than usual, however the radiation dose still falls within safety limits.
Contrast Enhanced Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan of the Breast
Breast MRI utilises strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients and radiowaves to produce 3D anatomical images of the breast. It does not involve X-rays or radiation.
This may be recommended, in additional to mammogram, for women with significant risks of developing breast cancer, those who are young, and women with dense breasts.
MRI may also be useful in women with a history of breast implants or silicon injections. For such women, breast MRIs can detect cancers earlier, with a stage-shift that can reduce the likelihood one will die of breast cancer, increasing the survival benefit of screening.
Breast Cancer Surgery Goals
Our surgeons are experienced in performing breast cancer surgery using breast-conserving approaches, oncoplastic techniques and minimally invasive methods. Options include:
- Minimally invasive breast biopsy – For accurate diagnosis of suspicious lesions with minimal discomfort. More details here: minimally invasive breast biopsy.
- Minimally invasive breast surgery – Small incisions reduce scarring and allow expedient recovery. Learn more about minimally invasive breast surgery.
- Breast-preserving strategies such as Breast conserving surgery – Removes only the tumour while preserving healthy tissue. Often combined with oncoplastic breast surgery to maintain breast shape and aesthetics.
Our surgical strategies aim to eradicate disease while preserving breast appearance, function, and sensation wherever possible.
Screening Guidelines Based on Risk Profile
For Average-Risk Women in Singapore
- Annual mammograms from age 40–49
- Biennial mammograms from age 50 onwards
For Intermediate-Risk Women
- Discuss supplemental screening
- In particular for those with 5-year risk at 1.7% or more based on Gail Model, mammogram screening is more vigilant and should be offered annually
- Risk reduction strategies should be considered
For High-Risk Women
- Formal genetic assessment and testing by trained breast and genetic specialists
- Annual screening mammography or tomosynthesis and annual breast MRI
- Risk reduction strategies should be discussed with an experienced professional
Why Choose Us
Our clinic provides both technology and compassionate care that make us a good choice for breast cancer treatment in Singapore:
Female breast specialist with over 15 years of experience in breast cancer management
Access to minimally invasive and oncoplastic techniques
Patient-centred care focused on comfort, privacy, and education
Comprehensive follow-up and long-term support for recovery and surveillance
We strive to ensure every patient feels informed, supported, and confident in their treatment decisions.
Treatment Journey / What to Expect
Your care journey is structured to ensure clarity, comfort, and safety:
1. Consultation
Your journey begins with a private, comprehensive consultation with an experienced breast specialist in Singapore, where concerns are discussed with empathy and professionalism.
2. Screening or Diagnostic Imaging
We use improved imaging technologies to ensure reliable assessments and the correct screening modalities are tailored to your individual background and risk profile. Includes mammography, ultrasound, or MRI of the breasts.
3. Diagnosis
If further investigation is required, minimally invasive diagnostic tools — including image-guided breast biopsy — are used to deliver clear and reliable results.
4. Treatment Planning
Whether your plan involves minimally invasive surgery, oncoplastic techniques, or surveillance and monitoring, every decision is made collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, with full explanation and guidance from your female breast doctor.
5. Recovery, Follow-Up and Support
We provide post-operative monitoring, imaging, and supportive care to ensure full recovery and early detection of recurrence.
Seek to maximise your personal benefit as active breast cancer screening has been proven to saves lives.
Active breast screening has been proven to save lives. Our breast screening programmes offer appropriate evaluation by an experienced breast specialist. Imaging recommendations are also accorded based on each woman’s personal risk and unique requirements.
Take control of your breast health
Meet our Breast Surgeon
Dr Sabrina Ngaserin
Senior Consultant
Oncoplastic and Minimally Invasive Breast Surgeon
Breast surgeon subspecialising in surgical oncology.
One of the few breasts surgeons in the world formally trained in both
oncoplastic breast surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic breast
surgery.Pioneer of Minimally Invasive ‘Keyhole’ Breast Surgery in Singapore.
Former Head of Breast Surgery and Senior Consultant at Sengkang General Hospital and SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast Centre.
Visiting Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital (NUH)
Singapore.Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Post-graduate Medical School and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Ministry of Health of Singapore and Singapore Medical Council certified
specialist.Fellowship accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and
Academy of Medicine Singapore.
Meet our Breast Surgeon
Dr Sabrina Ngaserin Ng Hui Na
Senior Consultant
Oncoplastic and Minimally Invasive Breast Surgeon
Breast surgeon subspecialising in surgical oncology.
One of the few breasts surgeons in the world formally trained in both
oncoplastic breast surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic breast
surgery.Pioneer of Minimally Invasive ‘Keyhole’ Breast Surgery in Singapore.
Former Head of Breast Surgery and Senior Consultant at Sengkang General
Hospital and SingHealth Duke-NUS Breast CentreVisiting Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital (NUH)
SingaporeAdjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Post-graduate Medical School and
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
-
Ministry of Health of Singapore and Singapore Medical Council certified specialist.
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Fellowship accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Academy of Medicine Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Breast-conserving surgery, Oncoplastic breast surgery, Minimally invasive breast surgery, and reconstructive procedures may also be offered depending on your condition.
It is the most common type of breast cancer, originating in the milk ducts and potentially invading surrounding tissues. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and chances of longterm survival.
Surgery is usually recommended when imaging or biopsy confirms malignancy. The type of surgery depends on tumour size and proportions, location, biology, and patient’s personal preference.
Yes. In a majority of cases, breast conserving surgery combined with radiation therapy can effectively treat cancer while preserving breast tissue.
Your first visit will include a thorough medical history review, risk assessment, imaging evaluation, and discussion of potential treatment options with a breast specialist in Singapore.
Contact us today
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