Trusted Breast Cancer Specialist in Singapore

Portrait of Dr. Evan Woo, a plastic and reconstructive breast surgeon in Singapore.
Dr Evan Woo
Senior Consultant Breast and Plastic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Your Guide to Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Singapore. Fortunately, advances in breast cancer screening, earlier diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved outcomes, making the disease more treatable than ever before.
In Singapore, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all female cancer diagnoses, and an estimated one in 12 women will develop the disease during their lifetime. Understanding the signs, risk factors and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your breast health and seek timely care when needed.
Awareness Begins with Understanding

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Most breast cancers begin in either the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules, although they can develop in other breast tissues.

Breast cancer is not a single disease. It can vary in its type, how quickly it grows and whether it has spread beyond the breast. The most common types include:

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

A non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread into surrounding breast tissue.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts before growing into nearby breast tissue and may spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Starts in the milk-producing lobules and can spread beyond the breast if left untreated.
Cancer Staging Explained

How Is Breast Cancer Staged?

Breast cancer is classified into stages based on the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. In general, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available and the better the chances of a favourable outcome.

Stage

Stage 0 refers to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not invaded surrounding breast tissue.

Stage
I

The cancer is small and remains within the breast or has only minimal involvement of nearby lymph nodes. Early-stage breast cancer is often highly treatable.

Stage
II

The tumour may be larger or the cancer may have spread to a small number of nearby lymph nodes, but it remains localised to the breast and surrounding area.

Stage
III

Known as locally advanced breast cancer, Stage III means the cancer has spread more extensively to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding tissues, but not to distant organs.

Stage
IV

Also called metastatic breast cancer, Stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain.
Recognising the Early Signs

What Are the Potential Signs of Breast Cancer?

Not all breast changes are caused by breast cancer. However, it is important to seek medical evaluation if you notice any new or persistent changes in your breasts. Early assessment can help identify the cause and, if necessary, enable timely treatment.
You should see a doctor if you experience:
  • A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
  • Changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
  • Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness or thickening
  • A nipple that becomes inverted or changes in appearance
  • Bloody or unusual nipple discharge, particularly if it occurs without squeezing
  • Persistent breast pain that does not improve or is confined to one area of the breast
  • Swelling or a lump in the armpit or near the collarbone
  • A sore, rash or ulcer on the nipple or breast that does not heal
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Concerned About a New Breast Lump?
Finding a breast lump or noticing an unexpected change can be worrying, but not every breast change is cancer. Dr Evan Woo provides careful assessment, appropriate investigations and clear guidance to help you understand the cause and the next steps.
Dr. Evan Woo explaining mammogram scan results on a tablet to a female patient during a consultation.
Understanding Your Risk

What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

While the exact cause of breast cancer is not always known, certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing the disease. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no obvious risk factors.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, while others may be influenced by lifestyle choices or medical decisions.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

These are factors that cannot be changed:
  • Increasing age
    The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older.
  • Female sex
    Although breast cancer can occur in men, it is much more common in women.
  • Family history
    Having a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with breast cancer may increase your risk.
  • Inherited gene mutations
    Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of breast cancer.
  • Personal history of breast cancer
    Individuals who have previously had breast cancer have a higher risk of developing a new breast cancer.
  • Dense breast tissue
    Dense breasts can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and may make abnormalities more difficult to detect on mammograms.

Modifiable Risk Factors

These factors may be influenced by lifestyle or healthcare choices:
  • Being overweight or obese after menopause
  • Physical inactivity
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • Smoking, which may modestly increase the risk of breast cancer
  • Long-term use of certain hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications, particularly combined oestrogen-progestogen therapy
While some risk factors cannot be changed, understanding your personal risk can help you make informed decisions about lifestyle modifications, genetic assessment where appropriate, and the timing and frequency of breast cancer screening.
Prevention & Risk Reduction

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

While breast cancer cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and improve the chances of detecting it at an early stage.

Attend Regular Breast Cancer Screening

Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms develop and are recommended based on your age and individual risk profile.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking may help reduce your risk.

Know Your Family History

If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counselling, genetic testing or earlier screening.

Be Familiar with Your Breasts

Report any new lumps, skin changes or nipple discharge promptly, even if you are up to date with screening.
Although breast cancer cannot always be prevented, taking these proactive steps can support early detection and ensure that any concerning changes are assessed as soon as possible.
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Understand Your Risk with Confidence
Whether you have a family history of breast cancer, an increased genetic risk or simply want greater clarity about your breast health, Dr Evan Woo can assess your individual risk profile and recommend a screening plan tailored to your needs.
Dr. Evan Woo performing a breast ultrasound scan for a patient during a clinic consultation
From Screening to Diagnosis

How Is Breast Cancer Detected and Diagnosed?

Breast cancer can be identified through screening or diagnostic evaluation, depending on whether you have symptoms.

Breast cancer screening is recommended for people without symptoms to detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is often simpler and more effective. Screening typically involves a mammogram and may be recommended based on your age or individual risk factors.

If you notice symptoms such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or changes in the breast, your doctor may perform a diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause.

This may include:
  • Clinical breast examination
    A physical examination of the breasts and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Breast MRI
    Used in selected patients when more detailed imaging is needed.
  • Diagnostic mammogram
    An X-ray used to assess an area of concern or an abnormal screening result.
  • Breast ultrasound
    Helps evaluate breast lumps and distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
  • Breast biopsy
    Removes a small tissue sample for laboratory examination. A biopsy is the only test that can definitively confirm whether breast cancer is present.
Treatment & Care

What Are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer treatment is personalised based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as factors such as tumour biology, your overall health and your treatment goals. Treatment options may include:

Breast Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The recommended approach depends on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumour, and your individual treatment goals.

Where appropriate, treatment planning extends beyond cancer removal alone. Dr Woo considers reconstructive options, nipple-sparing techniques and nipple sensation preservation from the outset whenever they are oncologically appropriate, helping patients understand both their immediate treatment options and their long-term outcomes before surgery takes place.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Breast cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team. Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may be combined with treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Where appropriate, breast reconstruction and breast aesthetic surgery is considered as part of the overall treatment plan from the outset, allowing cancer treatment and reconstructive options to be planned together.
Trusted Breast Cancer Expertise

Why Patients Choose Dr Evan Woo for Breast Cancer Care

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Dedicated Breast Cancer Expertise

Dr Woo's practice focuses on breast cancer surgery, breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, bringing specialised expertise to every stage of breast cancer treatment.
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Advanced Training in Breast Reconstruction

Having completed a Microsurgery Fellowship at the Nottingham Breast Institute in the United Kingdom, Dr Woo has advanced training in breast reconstruction, allowing reconstructive options to be considered alongside cancer treatment whenever appropriate.
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Reconstruction Considered From the Beginning

Where appropriate, breast reconstruction, nipple-sparing techniques and nipple sensation preservation are considered alongside cancer treatment from the outset, helping patients understand their options before surgery takes place.
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Continuity Under One Surgeon

From diagnosis and surgery to breast reconstruction and follow-up care, patients benefit from continuity under the same surgeon, ensuring every stage of treatment is guided by a coordinated plan.
Your Journey Starts Here

Expert Care through Every Stage with Dr Evan Woo

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, but it does not define your future. Advances in breast cancer care have transformed treatment outcomes, with many patients going on to live full and healthy lives. Early diagnosis, timely treatment and ongoing follow-up all play an important role in achieving the best possible outcome.
At Evan Woo Plastic Surgery, we believe every patient deserves a clear understanding of their diagnosis and the confidence to make informed decisions about their treatment. Breast surgeon Dr Evan Woo takes the time to explain your condition, discuss all treatment options available, and develop a personalised treatment plan based on your diagnosis and personal needs. Schedule an appointment to receive a comprehensive assessment and guidance on the next steps in your care.
“The best outcomes come from seeing the whole picture. If you only focus on the cancer surgery, you may compromise the reconstruction. If you only focus on the reconstruction, you may miss other important considerations. Every step has to be considered together from the start if you want to achieve the best possible result.”
Dr Evan Woo
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Helpful Information

FAQs About Breast Cancer

Is a breast lump always breast cancer?

No. Many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, any new or persistent breast lump should be assessed by a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Can men develop breast cancer?

Yes. Although breast cancer is much less common in men, it can occur. Men should also seek medical attention if they notice a breast lump, nipple discharge or other unusual breast changes.

What is the survival rate for breast cancer?

Breast cancer outcomes have improved significantly due to advances in screening and treatment. When detected early, many patients can be treated successfully. Your prognosis depends on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health.

Is surgery always needed for breast cancer?

Surgery is a key component of treatment for many patients with early-stage breast cancer. However, the most appropriate treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.

Can breast cancer come back after treatment?

Yes. Breast cancer can recur months or years after treatment. Regular follow-up appointments and breast imaging, where recommended, help monitor for recurrence and support your long-term health.

When should I start breast cancer screening?

The appropriate age to begin breast cancer screening depends on your individual risk factors, family history and national screening recommendations. Speak with your doctor to determine the most suitable screening schedule for you.

Experience You Can Rely On
Our Breast Cancer Specialist
Portrait of Dr. Evan Woo, consultant plastic and breast surgeon in Singapore smiling in his clinic.
Dr Evan Woo
Senior Consultant Breast and Plastic Surgeon
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, National University of Singapore
  • Master of Medicine (Surgery), National University of Singapore
  • Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Evan Woo is a specialist plastic, reconstructive and breast surgeon with a focused practice in breast cancer surgery, breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. Having completed specialist training in Singapore and a Microsurgery Fellowship at the Nottingham Breast Institute in the United Kingdom, he combines expertise in breast cancer surgery with advanced reconstructive and plastic surgical techniques, allowing patients to receive coordinated care throughout every stage of their treatment.
His integrated approach allows cancer treatment, breast reconstruction and long-term aesthetic outcomes to be considered together from the outset whenever appropriate. By tailoring every treatment plan to the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy and individual circumstances, he helps patients make informed decisions while striving for the best possible oncological and reconstructive outcomes.
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 Dr Evan Woo holding silicone breast implants during a consultation with a patient in Singapore
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Dr Evan Woo
Senior Consultant Breast and Plastic Surgeon