“I always felt that I was healthy and there was no need to waste time on screening”

Mdm Patsy Cheong, 64, was diagnosed with stage 2a breast cancer 11 years ago and is currently in remission. She was encouraged by her elder sister, who had gone through a mammogram, to go for screening.

“In my early 40s to 50s, having a mammogram never crossed my mind because I always felt that I was healthy and there was no need to waste time on screening. Since I was in the high-risk age group my sister convinced me to go for a mammogram,” explained Patsy.

After her mammogram she was informed by the polyclinic that there was an abnormality. She was then referred to a hospital for a consultation and biopsy. “My sister followed me when I went for my review of the biopsy. I am glad she did as I was feeling very confused and frightened when I got my diagnosis. I had to go through day surgery to remove the lump. Following that I had 6 rounds of chemotherapy and more than 20 rounds of radiation treatment. Throughout the entire journey my family was with me, supporting me all the way,” said Patsy.

The side effect of chemotherapy kicked in after the 4th session and she started feeling lethargic and restless. But that did not stop her from keeping up with her day-to-day activities. As a mother of 4, she managed to juggle her part time job while caring for her children. 

Now she advocates early screening and encourages other women to go for mammogram. She said, “My personal experience is that a mammogram is not that painful, and it is a very fast process. Although I am in remission I still go for my mammograms. I think it is helpful and supportive if family members and friends can nudge each other to go for mammograms.