Growing up, I was blessed to be raised in an environment filled with strong women. My mom, sister, aunts, and cousins – they give meaning to the phrase ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.

But the unfortunate truth remains that breast cancer continues to take the lives of many women here in Singapore. And the number increases with each year.

These women were someone’s mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and niece, and so on. They probably meant the world to someone.

We hear about breast cancer so much – in the news, on TV, even in Korean dramas! – but how many of us are actually concerned about it?

You know the answer.

Many of us take it for granted that we will never be that ‘unlucky’ one. In fact, we don’t even think for a minute that there might be a minute chance we’d end up with breast cancer. So we take it lightly, even as it goes around claiming the lives of our fellowmen.

Breast cancer is a real concern and we can do something about it.

As with most medical conditions, early diagnosis and treatment can allow infected women to lead normal, healthy lives. So it is with good reason that we should encourage our loved female family and friends. Women above the age of 40 are advised to go for screenings regularly. And by regularly, I mean once a year for those aged 40 and above, and twice a year for those aged 50 and above.

The most effective detection method of breast cancer is mammograms – an X-ray examination of the breasts. Courtesy of my mom, I now know that mammogram is a painful and uncomfortable process for most women but it is one worth the awkwardness! Because when cancer is detected early enough, chances are it is smaller and confined to one area.

This means there is a higher chance of cure and more available treatment options to choose from (if required). There is also lesser chance for the need to undergo chemotherapy (no hair loss!) and removal of the breast(s).

But the harsh truth is many of us are guilty of delaying detection. Correction: Many of us don’t even schedule an appointment with a gynaecologist! We make up excuses all the time!

I am way too busy

No, you are never too busy for your own health! A mammogram only takes about 3 to 5 minutes and the entire session can be over in an hour. Besides, the service is highly available islandwide so enquire at the nearest clinic.

Mammograms are too painful

Do you avoid a flu vaccination just because injections sting like a bee? Nope!

Not many women find mammograms painful, though some may experience some sort of discomfort. Even if you do feel some pain, be rest assured that it is temporary.

Look at the bigger picture: That momentary discomfort or pain will eventually benefit you in the long run!

I feel good and healthy

No one expects themselves to be infected by cancer but breast cancer is known to befall women who lead seemingly healthy lives. So you think you’re healthy? Well, think again.

I don’t have any symptoms

Breast cancer often occurs with no obvious symptoms at all. If you wait till symptoms start showing before going for screening, you are sabotaging your opportunities of detecting cancer early.

I am afraid. What if I do have breast cancer?

I can’t tell you not to be afraid because finding out you have cancer is surely scary, but take heart that you’re discovering it early and securing your chances for recovery! Don’t let cancer tear down your life.

Late detection and treatment of breast cancer would give the cancer cells time to spread to other parts of the body. By that stage, treatment becomes more difficult and there are also lesser treatment options available. (You should also know that by this point, the chances of surviving the next 5 years become significantly lower.)

Now, that definitely doesn’t sound like good news.

If you know of someone who should go for a mammogram, encourage her to go for it. Go with her if possible. The support she gets during a mammogram scan works magic to comfort her during the entire process.

Or if you fit the bill yourself, you already know what to do.

For a first-timer, to ease your anxieties, find out what you can expect during a mammogram.