Mom‑Mom Meltdown? Think Again, Dr. Yellow‑Chest!
Midnight munchies and sleepless nights can really drain a new mum’s energy. But when 31‑year‑old Siti Nur Aishah Bte Jamil woke up with a nagging headache and a weird lump on her chest, she suspected something deeper was lurking.
Stage 4 Shock
- Siti booked a quick check‑up at her local podio.
- Two weeks after a routine consultation she learned the news everyone dreaded: Stage 4 breast cancer.
- She was shocked—she’d always pictured the disease as a mid‑life romance.
- Facing the diagnosis, she decided to swap the “sad, hopeless” playlist for an upbeat one, powering forward with positivity.
Yvonne’s Tale of Triumph
- 33‑year‑old mum Yvonne Chua thought her lump was just a blocked milk duct.
- It grew and was confirmed as a Stage 2 cancer after a biopsy.
- Three years later, after surgery and chemo, Yvonne is back to living her normal life.
- She says, “Cancer isn’t the end—think of it as a personal reboot.”
- “You may hit rock bottom, but the climb to the top is where the new you shines.”
Myth‑Buster: Breast Cancer Loves Young
One misconception Siti pointed out? “Breast cancer only hits the over‑40 crowd.” Not true—according to a 2020 BCF (Breast Cancer Foundation) report:
- 1 in 6 Singaporean breast cancers occur in women under 45.
- It’s one of the top cancers for those under 35.
Key Takeaway: Spot It, Ship It
Both mums were sharp: they noticed symptoms early and acted fast. As Dr. Wong Chiung Ing, BCF Medical Advisory Panel chair and senior oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre, puts it, “Early detection beats the disease every time.”
So, the next time you’re nursing a midnight snack, remember that a little awareness can be lifesaving. Tune into your body, and if something feels off—just like a restless night, it’s better to pause and check than to sleep on it.
Fighting chance
Spotting the Red Flag: Breast Cancer Symptoms
Dr. Wong points out that the most classic sign is a hard, persistent lump in the breast. But that’s just the headline—there are a few other red‑herring signals worth watching:
Nipple Signals
- Inverted nipples – when they pull inward like a suction cup.
- Nipple discharge – especially if it’s bloody or oddly colored.
Skin Changes to Note
- Rashes or red spots that won’t fade.
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin, resembling a corrugated cardboard pattern.
Why Patience Isn’t Your Friend
Even if the symptoms seem mild, skip the hour‑long wait and see a professional right away. Dr. Wong stresses: “If anything feels off, call your GP or a breast specialist—better safe than sorry.”
Take Action, Not Stress
Don’t let a little worry turn into a big panic. A quick consult can make all the difference—and it’s cheaper than running a marathon in your mind.
Be aware
Understanding the Five Stages of Breast Cancer
Picture breast cancer as a five‑step ladder: Stage 0 kicks off with non‑invasive cells lurking right in the duct walls, while Stage 4 is the scary part where the bad guys have marched all the way to distant organs. Dr. Wong reminds us that catching the disease earlier is the secret sauce for a better fight.
From the ’70s to Today
- In the 1970s, women with breast cancer had only a 50 % chance of surviving five years compared to healthy counterparts.
- Fast forward to now, and that figure has jumped to a solid 80 %.
Why the jump? Two main heroes: medical breakthroughs and, more importantly, early detection. Dr. Wong points out that if you’re diagnosed early, the five‑year survival rate shoots up to over 90 %.
Why Women Often Skip Their Own Health Checks
Psychologist Diana (only ever called “Diana” online) says women often put themselves last because they’ve historically been the caretakers—always looking after others and their needs. She argues:
“Some feel guilty about focusing on themselves, while others are embarrassed to talk about health issues. This “no‑time” mindset leads many to self‑medicate or chase alternative therapies instead of going to a doctor.”
But Dr. Wong insists that self‑examination can easily fit into a busy schedule. After all, early breast cancer rarely shows symptoms.
Monthly Self‑Examination Routine
Women aged 20+ are encouraged to do a quick check once a month. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Best time: 7‑10 days after your period starts—the breasts are less sore.
- If you’re post‑menopause, pick a fixed date each month.
When to Get a Mammogram
If you’re 40 or older, make regular mammograms a priority to catch any tumours while they’re still tiny.
Bottom line? Taking a few minutes for yourself and keeping up with checks can be the difference between a quick recovery and a delayed battle.
Focus on yourself
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Breast Cancer & How to Ride It Like a Boss
1. The Mental Maze
When the diagnosis lands, many women find themselves tangled up in questions about what it means to be a woman, how they fit into society, and who they really are.
Pro tip:Keep the spotlight on you and your recovery.If family dynamics go haywire, suggest they seek support too—teamwork beats turbulence.
2. Family Matters
Families sometimes need their own healing boost, too.
3. Healing Haven in Singapore
Singapore’s first public breast‑cancer care centre, courtesy of BCF, offers more than medical care:
| Feature | What it’s All About |
|---|---|
| Counselling rooms | A safe spot for a heart‑to‑heart chat. |
| Social lounge | Because you deserve a space to relax and laugh. |
| Wig‑loan & “positive appearance” room | Keeping confidence high, no matter what. |
| Chef‑run kitchen | Whip up nutritious menus that’ll keep you energized. |
| Fitness studio | Yoga & Pilates classes that flex both body and mind. |
“It’s a safe space for the breast‑cancer community,” says Dr Wong. “Here, people can connect, forge bonds and conquer the illness together from a place of solidarity and empowerment.”
4. Takeaway
Remember:You’re not alone, and there’s a whole network ready to jump in, cheer you on, and help you keep your chin up—even when the road gets rough.
