Breast cancer treatment in Singapore combines modern oncology, skilled surgeons, and structured financial support to help patients access timely care. This article explains treatment methods, expected costs, financing options, and follow-up care for patients and caregivers in Singapore.

TL;DR

• Singapore offers comprehensive breast cancer treatment in Singapore across public and private hospitals.
• Common options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone and targeted therapies.
• Costs vary widely: from about SGD 3,000 for day procedures to over SGD 30,000 for inpatient surgery.
• Medisave, insurance and government schemes can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Early diagnosis improves survival and allows breast-conserving and minimally invasive care.

Treatment options available in Singapore

Singapore provides a full range of breast cancer treatments through multi-disciplinary teams. These teams include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialised nurses.

Breast cancer treatment in Singapore involves surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy. Examples include lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs and immunotherapy. Many centres offer oncoplastic breast surgery that preserves appearance while removing cancer.

What are common breast cancer treatments?

Surgery removes the tumour as the primary treatment for most early cancers. Options are lumpectomy (breast conserving) or mastectomy (removal of breast).

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy work systemically or locally. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are available for specific cancer profiles.

How does oncoplastic surgery improve outcomes?

Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer removal with cosmetic reconstruction. It reduces deformity and improves quality of life after surgery.

Examples: breast conservation with tissue rearrangement, skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Many women regain a natural breast shape and faster psychological recovery.

Can treatment be minimally invasive in Singapore?

Yes. Singapore offers image-guided biopsies and sentinel lymph node biopsy to limit surgical extent. These techniques lower complications and speed recovery.

PanAsia Breast Clinic provides minimally invasive diagnostics and oncoplastic techniques. See their services.

Breast cancer treatment cost in Singapore

Costs range significantly depending on hospital type and treatment complexity. Expect a wide band between day surgery and complex inpatient care.

Estimated ranges: minor procedures can start at about SGD 3,000. Major surgeries and inpatient stays can exceed SGD 30,000 in private hospitals. Out-of-pocket chemotherapy averages around SGD 3,584 for many patients.

Tip: Ask hospitals for fee benchmarks and case estimates before treatment.

Typical costs for surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Surgery depends on ward class and reconstruction needs. Public hospitals cost less than private ones. Radiotherapy and advanced targeted drugs add substantial cost. Major surgeries and inpatient stays can exceed SGD 30,000 in private hospitals. Out-of-pocket chemotherapy averages around SGD 3,584 for many patients.

Example: a lumpectomy in public wards costs a fraction of the private equivalent. Targeted therapies may increase yearly treatment bills dramatically.

Are there government subsidies or insurance options?

Yes. Subsidies and Medisave reduce financial strain for eligible patients. Insurance, personal savings and MediShield Life also help.

Official fee benchmarks help patients compare costs. See Ministry of Health ward and procedure benchmarks.

Financing and patient support

Singapore offers several payment channels for breast cancer care. Patients commonly mix Medisave, insurance and cash to pay for treatment.

Medisave covers selected surgeries and systemic therapy under approved conditions. Screening Medisave claims exist for eligible women aged 50 and above.

Can Medisave be used for screening and treatment?

Yes. Medisave permits limited screening withdrawals and covers treatment at approved centres. Coverage depends on procedure and hospital accreditation.

Tip: Confirm Medisave entitlements with the treating hospital’s financial counsellor.

What other financial aid exists?

Charities, work benefits and insurer riders provide extra relief. Social service offices and cancer support groups also offer grants and counselling.

National cancer organisations like the National Cancer Centre Singapore provide patient resources and support directories. Visit for more information.

Early diagnosis and follow-up care

Early diagnosis increases treatment choices and survival. Regular screening and rapid biopsy help detect cancer earlier.

Follow-up care monitors recurrence and manages side effects. It often includes scheduled imaging, blood tests and survivorship programs.

How important is early diagnosis?

Very important. Early-stage cancers often allow breast-conserving treatment and better survival rates. Detecting cancer early reduces the need for aggressive therapy.

What follow-up care is required?

Follow-up involves regular clinical checks, mammograms and symptom monitoring. Survivorship care plans handle physical and emotional recovery.

Example: sentinel lymph node biopsy reduces long-term arm swelling compared to full node dissection.

Summary

Singapore delivers comprehensive breast cancer treatment with modern techniques, financial support mechanisms and strong follow-up care. Patients benefit from options ranging from minimally invasive diagnostics to reconstructive oncoplastic surgery. Plan finances in advance, confirm Medisave and insurance coverage, and choose accredited teams for the best outcomes.

FAQs

How much does breast cancer treatment cost in Singapore?

Treatment costs vary from roughly SGD 3,000 to over SGD 30,000. Exact bills depend on hospital choice and treatment intensity.

Can Medisave cover chemotherapy?

Yes, Medisave can fund approved chemotherapy at designated centres under set limits. Check with your hospital for eligibility details.

Is oncoplastic surgery widely available?

Yes. Major centres in Singapore commonly offer oncoplastic breast surgery and reconstruction options.