The CGH Breast Support Group was created specially to help women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer or who have undergone mastectomy (removal of the breast). Our goal is to provide you with the emotional support and information you need to cope and to understand your condition.

Our support group is run by a committed group of counsellors from the hospital. They are nurses, doctors and medical social workers who provide compassion, advice and a listening ear to patients.

• Explanation of pre and post operative management
• Complete psychological and emotional support
• Advice on physical recuperation
• Understanding of your fear of an altered body image
• Teaching of exercises to enable full recovery of shoulder movements
• Care of operation wound
• Care of an affected arm
• Advice on how you can cope better when undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Provide recommendation on when, where and how to obtain prosthesis
  and wigs
• Provide information on other resources available in Singapore,
  such as the Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Cancer Centre.
  

The CGH Breast Support Group conducts various programmes and events during the year. This includes support and social programmes for members of the support group and public forums.

These are just some of the ways our CGH Breast Support Group helps women diagnosed with breast cancer. If you need more information or if you wish to join the Support Group, please email Ask_A_Nurse@cgh.com.sg.

For further enquiries, please call King Foong Meng at 6850 2992.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when some cells in your breast grow abnormally. Cancer cells differ from normal cells in several ways. They vary in size, shape, and divide more quickly. The cells sometimes move into other areas of the body. There are different types of breast cancer. Your doctor will inform you on the type of cancer you have.

Cope With Your Diagnosis

Put your own needs first. You may want privacy and/or the support of family, friends or our CGH Breast Cancer Support Group.

Renew Your Self-Image

You may have a lot of mixed feelings about your body. You may be concerned that a removal of a breast will somehow leave you feeling less feminine or less attractive to others.

Determine Your Treatment

After the results of your biopsy are known, you may have to make a decision to have a mastectomy with your surgeon.

Prepare For Surgery

A counsellor from our CGH Breast Support Group will help prepare you psychologically and emotionally before and after surgery.

Recovery In The Hospital

It is important to perform the recommended exercises after your surgery, as these exercises help to regain the motion and strength in your arm and shoulders. The counsellor from the Support Group will instruct you on these.

Take Care Of Your Affected Arm

Lymphedema is the swelling of the arm which occurs when the normal flow of fluid in the arm is reduced. Performing the recommended exercises may help to reduce lymphedema.

Learn To Cope With Your Feelings

Talking about breast cancer with your loved ones may be hard. Your family and friends may not know what to say or do.

Our Breast Support Group at Changi General Hospital is always available to answer any questions you may have and to clarify any doubts.

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer results improves the survival outcome. Not all women with breast cancer need to have a mastectomy. If the cancer is discovered at an early stage, the need for a mastectomy is low.

Mammography is currently the most effective method of screening for breast cancer, especially in women between 50 and 65 years. It is a low dose x-ray imaging technique that produces pictures of the breast tissue. A radiographer takes the x-rays and the films are interpreted by our radiologists.

The radiographer will position your breast between 2 plastic plates and when the x-ray is taken, the plates will compress the breast firmly for a few seconds. This is necessary to ensure good visualisation of the breast tissue.

If you have particularly sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram for the week after the start of your period. Your breasts will be less tender then, so you will feel less discomfort during the mammogram.

For your convenience, we suggest you wear two piece outfit instead of a dress as you will need to undress to the waist.

Please bring along any previous mammogram films. This will help our radiologist to detect any changes from previous mammograms.

The films will be reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. Occasionally, we need to conduct additional tests to achieve a full assessment. Please do not be alarmed if you are contacted, as it does not always mean that there are any abnormalities in your breasts.

• Special mammogram views
• Ultrasound - uses sound waves to determine if the growth is a solid mass or fluid-filled (cyst)
  
  Note: Mammography is one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early, however some lumps may not show up well on a mammogram, especially in dense breasts.

For enquiries, please call our Department of Radiology at 6850 4843/ 6850 4848.