Dr Sheena Phua
Associate Consultant, General Surgery
Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Breast cancer holds a deeply personal significance for me, as I have experienced the loss of a beloved family member to this disease. I witnessed her brave battle, marked by unwavering smiles even on the hardest days, as she used her remaining strength to comfort us until the very end.

Conversely, I have also seen a loved one triumph over breast cancer when it was detected early enough to undergo curative surgery.

In Singapore, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women and is likely to remain so with our increasing life expectancy. The news of a breast cancer diagnosis is never easy for the patient, and delivering this news is equally challenging. I have observed the anxiety as patients walk into my office, their disbelief as they receive the diagnosis, and their struggle to regain composure. At such moments, I can only hope to bring them some comfort by telling them that they are in the early stage and hence, prognosis is often positive with effective treatments available.

When my senior Dr Juliana Chen invited me to join her to be featured in an educational health video on breast cancer for YouTube Health, initiated by the National Healthcare Group, I was both excited and apprehensive. This video presents a fantastic opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening, particularly with Tan Tock Seng Hospital hosting the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) this year which provides an excellent platform for outreach. It seemed like a chance for the preventive advice I regularly offer in the clinic to finally reach a broader audience, beyond those I can personally "nag" at.

The filming process itself was an enjoyable and unique experience. On the day of the shoot, I arrived in smart casual attire and minimal makeup, feeling prepared for the camera. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of a professional makeup artist and hairstylist who enhanced my appearance further. With the microphone clipped on and the team ready, we dove into the shoot.

I anticipated a lengthy process with multiple takes and possible stumbling over my words, but it turned out to be much smoother than expected. We completed the filming in just 30 minutes, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the final product. Two months later, the film is complete, and it looks flawless - a true chef's kiss. I am thrilled with the outcome and hope it will effectively convey the critical message about the importance of early and regular breast cancer screening, which has been made free for eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents enrolled in Healthier SG.

The advice from myself and Dr Juliana Chen, paired with the heartfelt anecdotes from the patient Mdm Ting and her daughter Mei Ling, to me, completed the video - having inputs from the medical and patient aspects of the disease. We are grateful towards Mdm Ting and Mei Ling for their voice and adding a valuable touch to the project.

Breast cancer screening is crucial for early detection, which significantly improves outcomes and prognosis. Common questions from patients and their families include "Why do I have cancer if I don't feel a lump or pain?", "Will I need to have the entire breast removed?", and "Will chemotherapy cause hair loss?" There is a strong association in the public's mind between "breast cancer, mastectomy, chemotherapy, hair loss". I hope this video will help clarify that breast cancer often presents with no symptoms in its early stages and that screening can facilitate early detection.

With timely diagnosis, breast conservation surgery is a viable option, and patients may even be able to avoid the need for adjuvant chemotherapy.