What to Expect During Breast Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Dr Johann Tang
If you or someone you know is dealing with breast cancer in Singapore, you might be curious about the treatment options available. Rest assured Singapore has good doctors and hospitals to provide the necessary care. Let's explore what you can anticipate during your breast cancer journey.
Finding the Right Cancer Doctor Let's kick things off by finding yourself a reliable doctor. Singapore boasts a wealth of highly skilled doctors with expertise in breast cancer. You can kickstart your search by consulting your primary physician for recommendations or reaching out to friends and family who have navigated this path before. And for those who are tech-savvy, a quick online search for breast cancer experts in Singapore can provide valuable leads.
Once you've got a list of potential docs, it's time for a meet and greet, also known as a consultation. It is where you can shoot any questions you have and see if you click with the doctor. Being comfortable with your cancer doctor is crucial, so ensure it's a good fit.
Tests and More Tests After you've got your cancer doctor, they'll run some tests to see what's going on in your breast. These tests usually include: 1. 2. 3.
Mammogram: It's like an X-ray of your breast – helps spot any issues. Ultrasound: They use sound waves to take a closer look at your breast tissue. Biopsy: If any uncertainties arise, they might conduct a minor biopsy to analyse a sample of your breast tissue for signs of cancer.
Once these tests are completed, your breast cancer doctor will provide you with an update on whether you have breast cancer and its severity. This information guides them in determining the most suitable treatment approach for you.
Let's Talk Treatment Breast cancer treatment in Singapore is pretty comprehensive, and it depends on how serious your situation is. Here's the rundown of common treatments: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Surgery: Sometimes, they have to remove the cancer. It could be just the cancer (lumpectomy) or the whole breast (mastectomy). Radiation: If they had surgery, you might need some radiation therapy afterwards. It's like using special rays to zap any sneaky cancer cells and keep them from coming back. Chemotherapy: This is like heavy artillery. It's a strong medicine to kill those cancer cells. You might get it through a needle in your arm or as pills. Hormone Therapy: If your cancer is all about hormones, they'll give you meds to block them. Targeted Therapy: This treatment goes straight for the things that help cancer grow, often combined with other treatments. Immunotherapy: It boosts your immune system to fight off the cancer.
Your cancer doctor will talk to you about the most suitable treatment for your condition. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ensure you understand and agree.
Get Some Support Breast cancer treatment can be a rollercoaster. In Singapore, they've got your back with services to help you deal with pain, chat with a pro about your feelings, and sort out your nutrition. If you need some physical therapy to bounce back after radiation treatment, they can also help you with that. Check-Ups and Chill After your treatment, you're not in the clear just yet. You'll need to see your cancer doctor regularly. They will keep an eye on things, make sure cancer does not stage a comeback, and watch for any side effects from your treatment. The Bottom Line Tackling breast cancer in Singapore starts with finding the right doctor, running some tests, picking the right treatment, getting the support you need, and keeping up with those check-ups. Contact Dr Johann Tang to help you go through your breast cancer journey!
