From Burden to Confidence: Combining Breast Cancer Surgery with a Breast Reduction or Breast Lift

For women with excessively large or heavy breasts (macromastia), symptoms like back, neck and shoulder pain can be a daily reality. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can cause skin irritation, strain posture, and lead to self-consciousness or even embarrassment [1]. If they’re diagnosed with breast cancer and need surgery, some women choose to have a breast reduction or lift at the same time. This can help reduce discomfort and improve how their breasts look and feel. While a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, surgery can also be a chance not just to treat the disease, but to improve their overall comfort, confidence, and quality of life. What Affects Your Surgical Options? Each woman’s relationship with her body – and her journey through cancer – is deeply personal. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – only what feels right for you. Studies show that fears of cancer returning and concerns about body image and sexuality can also play a big role in these decisions [4] [5]. Many women worry about losing their breasts or how their body may change, which can bring feelings of grief, shame, embarrassment and low self-esteem [6]. The decisions you make should support both your medical needs and emotional well-being. Ultimately, the goal of breast cancer surgery is to remove the tumour while maintaining a satisfying post-operative appearance. Combining Cancer Surgery with Macromastia Relief Fortunately, for women living with large or sagging (ptotic) breasts, procedures like breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) or breast lift (mastopexy) can be safely combined with cancer surgery [1] [7] – offering both medical treatment and meaningful relief. Do note that this is subject to eligibility and surgeon recommendation. Reduction mammoplasty removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, creating a breast appearance that’s more balanced with the rest of the body [1]. Mastopexy lifts, reshapes and tightens the breasts for a more youthful appearance [8]. While these may seem like cosmetic procedures on the surface, they can carry deeper meaning. For many women, addressing both breast cancer and macromastia in a single session can bring lasting physical relief and emotional healing, with positive outcomes well into recovery [1] [9]. Breast reduction can improve physical function, alleviate pain, reduce skin complications and enhance their body image and mental health [1]. The breast lift can help restore confidence, offer a renewed sense of control and help women feel whole again [7]. For women navigating breast cancer alongside macromastia, combining surgery can be a powerful way to reclaim comfort, health and self-confidence – all in one procedure. “But no matter what treatment path you take, always remember: You are brave. You are bold. You are beautiful. And you are making the choices that are right for you.” Care That Sees the Whole You At Solis, care doesn’t end in the operating theatre. The experienced and dedicated breast surgeons understand that healing is both physical and emotional, supporting each woman through her unique journey. Specialising in advanced surgical techniques such as oncoplastic surgery – a method that combines cancer removal with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast – they collaborate closely with Luma Women’s Medical Centre, where an in-house pathologist examines surgical specimens in real time to ensure complete cancer removal and reduce the need for a second surgery. This integrated approach allows for compassionate and reassuring breast care that respects your body, your choices and your well-being every step of the way. If you’re exploring your options, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or speak with our team about how we can support your journey. Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lim Sue Zann, Senior Consultant & Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre. References: [1] National Library of Medicine, Breast Reduction [2] Decision-Making in the Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer: Factors Influencing Women’s Choices for Mastectomy and Breast Conserving Surgery [3] Cancer Research UK, Types of Breast Cancer Surgery [4] The Emotional Status, Attitudes in Decision-Making Process, and Their Impact on Surgical Choices in Korean Breast Cancer Patients [5] Factors influencing surgical treatment decisions for breast cancer: a qualitative exploration of surgeon and patient perspectives [6] Decision-making process for breast-conserving therapy from the perspective of women with breast cancer: A grounded theory study [7] Mayo Clinic, Breast Lift [8] Aesthetic breast surgery: putting in context—a narrative review [9] Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty for breast cancer in women with macromastia: long term aesthetic, functional and satisfaction outcomes
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Benign lumps – how common are they and should I worry?

Not all lumps that are discovered during routine breast self-examination or screenings are cancerous. Often, many lumps are not. Dr Lim Siew Kuan, Senior Breast Consultant & Surgeon at Solis answers some questions on benign breast lumps, including the types, diagnoses and treatments. Q.What are breast lumps, and how common are they? Breast lumps refer to an area of swelling or firmness in the breast that feels different from the rest of the breast. They are the second most common breast symptom that patients present to GP clinics with breast pain being the first. Most lumps are benign (80%) and benign breast conditions affect around 8% of women. Q.What are some common types of benign breast lumps among Singapore women? Fibrocystic change: this is the most common type of benign breast lump. Many women feel that their breasts are generally lumpy and rubbery. This is due to a benign condition consisting of fibrous and cystic changes in the breasts. Breast cysts: Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs and are not harmful. They tend to change in size, position and numbers according to a woman’s monthly hormonal cycles. However, attention should be paid whenever there is a solid component observed within the cysts. Histological correlation may be required as these solid-cystic lesions have a 10% risk of cancer. Fibroadenomas: A fibroadenoma is a mobile and smooth lump with a rubbery feel. It is termed a ‘breast mouse’ as it slips away easily from the fingers during palpation. Fibroadenoma breast lumps are formed by fibrous and glandular tissue and do not give any cancer risk. Q.Why do some women get benign breast lumps? As the breasts go through monthly hormonal cycles, the tissues change in response. Some women may be prone to ‘overgrowth’ of benign tissue, giving rise to the above-mentioned conditions. Q.Which groups of women tend to be more prone to getting such benign breast lumps? Why? In premenopausal women, their breasts go through cyclical hormonal changes. Breast lumps also tend to be familial and you may be more prone if your sister or mother has (had) the same condition. Q.How are breast lumps diagnosed? The diagnosis of breast lumps are done during clinical examination and imaging (ultrasound, with mammogram if > 40 years of age). If both clinical examination and imaging show any indeterminate features, a biopsy will be required for histological correlation. Q.What are the treatment options for breast lumps? Can they be treated non-surgically or is surgery always needed? Most benign breast lumps do not require any treatment. Treatment is required when the breast lumps cause pain or if the nature of the lump is uncertain (e.g. lump increasing in size or if it has concerning features on imaging). Q.Can breast lumps recur after treatment? When might they recur? Yes, as long as the cyclical hormonal changes are still happening, benign breast lumps can recur, either in same or different sites. Q.Some questions on breast self-examination: Is it advisable to do breast self-examinations, and why?  Yes, conducting self-examination encourages awareness of one’s own breasts, so that any new findings can be flagged up earlier by the woman. How frequently should this be done? Once a month When is it a good time to do a self-examination? Breast self-examination should be conducted on day 7-10 of your menstrual cycle, when the breasts are least lumpy and sensitive What to look out for during the self-examination? Keep a look out for new lumps/firm areas, breast asymmetry, skin changes, nipple discharge Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lim Siew Kuan, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery
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Management of Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that causes swelling and pain in the breasts due to bacteria entering through the crack on the skin surface around it. Occasionally, breast cancer may also appear to resemble mastitis and it is advisable to see a doctor if the symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment. Dr Lee Wai Peng, our Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon sheds light on the causes and treatment of mastitis. What is Mastitis? Mastitis refers to the inflammation of the breast tissue, most often caused by an infection. What causes mastitis? Lactating women are at risk of developing mastitis. Milk that is retained in the breast is the main cause for mastitis in lactating women. Bacteria from the skin surface of the breast or from the baby mouth may enter the milk duct through a crack in the skin of the nipple or through an opening in the milk duct, giving rise to infection. Who are at risk of developing mastitis? Women who are breastfeeding are at risk of developing mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse. It can happen anytime during lactation, but it is more common in the first three months of lactation. Up to 10% of breastfeeding women may be affected. Less commonly, women who have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or are immunocompromised may be at risk of developing mastitis. In some women, the underlying cause may be unknown. This condition is called idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). In severe cases of IGM, steroid therapy may be advised if an infection has been excluded. What are the symptoms of mastitis? The inflammation causes pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. You may even develop fever and/or chills. Occasionally, breast cancer may appear to resemble mastitis. Please do see a doctor if your symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment. Can mastitis resolve on its own? Mastitis may sometimes resolve on its own especially if it is mild. However, a short course of antibiotic treatment is warranted in most instances. Breast abscess, which is a serious complication of mastitis, may develop. Apart from antibiotics, a surgical drainage procedure may be necessary to treat this condition. When do I need to consult a doctor? It is advisable to consult a doctor if you have any of the symptoms and to start treatment early. Treatment comprises pain killers (some of which might be anti-inflammatory) and a short course of antibiotics. If you are lactating, please be reassured that you can continue to breastfeed. Mastitis does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer but inflammatory breast cancer may occasionally resemble mastitis. Please do see your doctor if your symptoms do not resolve with appropriate treatment. Apart from taking medications, are there any home remedies or/ lifestyle modification that one can consider? If you are lactating, please do ensure that you empty your breast at regular intervals. Your breast milk supply may drop during this period of infection but it should increase again once you recover. Applying warm moist compress over your breast regularly or ice pack after breastfeeding may help to improve your symptoms. You may feel tired due to the infection and may have to rest more during this time. A supportive bra (such as a sports bra) may also help to alleviate the discomfort that you are feeling. Article contributed and reviewed by Dr Lee Wai Peng, Senior Consultant and Breast Surgeon at Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre.
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