Will the breast cancer risk assessment tool work in Singapore? In short, not much.

First of all, there is the issue of feasibility.

General surgeon and oncoplastic breast surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, Dr. Andrew Clayton Lee explained that these breast cancer risk calculators were designed based on data from North American women. The demographic makeup of Singaporean women, consisting mostly of Southeast Asian Malays, Indians and Chinese, is unlikely to be accurately represented in these models.

“If women in Singapore take the test, the results may be inaccurate,” Dr Lee said. “We don’t want high-risk women to have a false sense of security or low-risk women to have anxiety.”

Second, health checks need professional guidance.

D., senior radiation oncologist at Icon Cancer Center and Breast Cancer Foundation committee member. Because of their easy access, breast cancer risk calculators are often used alone, without the involvement of a healthcare professional, Choo Bok Ai told CNA Women. Women may misinterpret the results, especially if they receive a high risk score.

They may avoid appropriate medical consultation or opt for alternative care that does not address real health problems. This can lead to unnecessary fear or even misdiagnosis or mistreatment of existing conditions.

While some women may contact their doctor to review the results, Dr Choo said the concern was for women who did not do so.

Third, the tool does not address the underlying reasons why women in Singapore hesitate to go for a breast exam.

“Prevention and education are more important than assessment tools when it comes to early detection and management of breast cancer,” Dr Choo said.

He pointed out that the main challenge in reducing late-stage breast cancer diagnoses is lack of education and awareness. Some women are deterred by discussions about breast health due to fear of diagnosis, social exclusion, and cultural taboos around cancer misconceptions.

Dr Choo cited the 2022 National Population Health Survey, in which nearly 40 per cent of Singaporean women aged 50 to 69 have regular mammograms. CNA Women found that mammography screening rates for the same age group have fallen below 35 percent in 2023.

Societal barriers, including caregiving responsibilities and financial constraints, further discourage women from prioritizing regular screenings such as mammograms or seeking medical attention when they discover a lump or notice irregularities.

CURRENT TOOLS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER