Breast Cancer vs Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know – Thomson Medical

When it comes to women’s health, breast cancer and cervical cancer are two conditions that many women worry about. It can be frightening to hear these terms, especially if you've noticed a new symptom or know someone who has received a diagnosis.

Learning how these conditions differ, the early signs to look out for, and when to go for screening can all make a significant difference. No matter where you are on your health journey, you’re not alone, and getting informed is the first empowering step.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when cells in your breast grow uncontrolled and form a tumour. These changes usually begin in the milk ducts (the tubes that carry milk) or in the lobules (the glands that produce milk).

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in your cervix, which is the lower part of your womb that opens into your vagina. Most cases are caused by long-term infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and is spread through sexual contact, but only persistent infections with high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer.

What do breast cancer and cervical cancer look like?

Breast cancer and cervical cancer affect different parts of the body, so their early signs don’t look the same. Knowing how each one typically presents can help you recognise changes earlier and seek medical care sooner.

How breast cancer may appear?

For many women, the earliest sign of breast cancer is simply a feeling that something is different. It may be as gentle as a new sensation or a small difference that catches your attention over time, then gradually becomes more noticeable, such as:

• Lump or thickening:

  • A lump or thickening newly appears in your breast or armpit.

• Changes in breast size or shape:

  • You may notice swelling in part or all of your breasts.

• Skin changes:

  • Your breast skin turns red, dry, flaking, dimpling, or peeling.

• Nipple changes:

  • Your nipple turns inward or is irritating or scaling.

  • You have abnormal nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Ongoing breast pain:

  • You may experience nipple or breast pain, though many lumps are painless. 

How cervical cancer may appear?

Cervical cancer often develops quietly without any early warning signs, which is why routine screening is so important for your long-term health. When symptoms do show up, they may look like:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding:

  • You may have abnormal bleeding between periods, after or during intercourse, or after menopause.

• Abnormal vaginal discharge:

  • You may notice changes in the colour, consistency, or odour of your vaginal discharge.

• Persistent pain:

  • Cervical cancer usually comes with pain during intercourse and back or pelvic pain unrelated to your period.

• Urinary issues:

  • You may experience frequent or urgent urination, as well as pain or difficulty while urinating.

• Leg swelling:

  • Swelling in your legs can be a sign of cancer putting pressure on your veins.

If you notice any changes in your body – even small ones – don’t ignore them. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical for a gentle, thorough evaluation so you can understand what’s happening with peace of mind. Early attention can make all the difference.

Breast cancer vs cervical cancer: Which is more common?

While both cancers are significant women's health issues, breast cancer is much more common worldwide. Let's take a closer look at the incidence of each one in Singapore.

Is breast cancer common in Singapore?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, accounting for 29.6% of all female cancer diagnoses. Each year, 13,193 women receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer, indicating an average of 7 new cases per day. This cancer most commonly affects women between 50 and 60 years old.

Is cervical cancer common in Singapore?

Cervical cancer ranks as the 11th most common cancer among women in Singapore and the 5th most common cancer among young women aged 15–44 years. It accounts for 2.5% of all cancers diagnosed in Singaporean females.

Breast cancer vs cervical cancer: Which is more severe?

You may be wondering whether breast cancer or cervical cancer is more severe, but there’s no simple answer for this. The severity of cancer depends mainly on the stage at the time of first diagnosis and sometimes on the type of cancer cells. The good news is that both breast cancer and cervical cancer are highly treatable when caught early.

The Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022 shows that the five-year relative survival rate for women with breast cancer is quite promising at about 83.1%, while for cervical cancer, it is around 62.5%.

Breast cancer vs cervical cancer screening

Regular cancer screening is a simple but powerful way to detect cancer early when it’s most treatable and give you a better chance at effective treatment. These routine checks are simple steps that can give you peace of mind and help detect changes long before symptoms appear.

For breast cancer, the Singapore Ministry of Health recommends yearly mammograms for women aged 40–49 and once every two years for women aged 50–69. For cervical cancer, women aged 25–29 should have a Pap smear every three years, while women aged 30 and above are advised to have an HPV test every five years.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Make your appointment at Thomson Medical today. Our team is here to guide you through timely breast and cervical cancer screening with personalised care.

FAQ

What does cervical cancer pain feel like?

Cervical cancer pain can feel different for each woman. Some describe it as a dull ache in the lower tummy, pelvis, or back. Others may feel sharp, stabbing pains or discomfort during sex.

Who is at high risk of cervical cancer?

What age does breast cancer start?

Breast cancer can happen at any age, but it becomes more common as you get older. Most cases are diagnosed in women over 50, and the average age of diagnosis is around 61. While less common, younger women – especially those with a strong family history or certain gene mutations – can also develop breast cancer.

What is the best diet for preventing breast cancer?

A diet that supports breast health usually focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Eating lean protein and healthy fats and limiting alcohol, processed meat, and high-fat foods can also help. Maintaining an ideal body weight is an important part of lowering your breast cancer risk.

Are breast cancer and cervical cancer related?

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are not directly linked. They have different main causes: breast cancer is often related to age, lifestyle, or genes, while cervical cancer is mainly caused by HPV. However, some women may have risk factors that increase their chance of getting more than one type of cancer, and a few breast cancer treatments may slightly increase your risk of cervical cancer.

Can breast cancer turn into cervical cancer?

Breast cancer does not transform into cervical cancer. However, in very rare cases, breast cancer cells can travel to other parts of your body and form tumours, including the cervix. When this happens, it’s called metastasis, meaning the tumour in your cervix is still breast cancer, not a new cervical cancer.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical.Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

References:

1. Cancer Statistics | National Cancer Centre Singapore. (n.d.). https://www.nccs.com.sg/your-care/about-cancer/cancer-statistics

2. Cancer Screening | National Cancer Centre Singapore. (n.d.). https://www.nccs.com.sg/community-care/community-health-services/cancer-screening

3. HPV Information Centre. (2023). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in Singapore. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/SGP_FS.pdf

4. National Registry of Diseases Office. (2024). Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2022.

5. National Registry of Diseases Office. (2022). Singapore Cancer Registry 50th Anniversary Monograph – Appendices.