Breast cancer treatment in Singapore combines world-class clinical care with a range of financing options for local residents and expats. This article explains treatment choices, typical costs, available subsidies, and where to seek care so you can plan treatment with confidence.

TL;DR

• Breast cancer treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies.
• Private surgery can range from about S$3,000 (day surgery) to S$17,000 or more for inpatient cases.
• Medisave and MediShield Life can offset many bills; public hospitals offer larger subsidies.
• PanAsia Breast Clinic offers minimally invasive biopsies and oncoplastic surgery—see the clinic link for services.

Overview of breast cancer treatment options

Treatment usually combines several approaches tailored to stage and biology. Breast cancer treatment Singapore removes or controls malignant breast cells using surgery, drug therapy, or radiation. Examples: lumpectomy preserves the breast; mastectomy removes it. Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps stage disease precisely.

Fact: Early-stage patients often need fewer treatments and shorter recovery times.

Surgery

Surgery removes the tumor and gives tissue for staging.

Common procedures include breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, and oncoplastic techniques that combine removal with reconstruction. PanAsia Breast Clinic performs image-guided core needle biopsy and oncoplastic surgery, reducing scarring and recovery time. Visit the PanAsia Breast Clinic for procedure details.

Chemotherapy and systemic therapy

Drug therapy treats cancer cells throughout the body.

Chemo is given in cycles; targeted drugs and hormonal therapy treat specific tumor types. Typical chemo costs average around S$1,500 per cycle in private settings. Newer targeted drugs cost more but may improve outcomes for certain patients.

Radiation therapy

Radiation eliminates residual cancer cells after surgery.

Radiation courses often last several weeks. Benchmarks show total private costs can reach S$25,000 to S$30,000 for complex schedules. Hypofractionated protocols may shorten treatment while keeping effectiveness.

Costs and financing: public vs private

Costs vary widely between public and private hospitals and by treatment intensity.

Public hospitals offer substantial subsidies for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Private care offers faster access and more choices but typically costs more. Example benchmarks: day surgery from about S$3,000 privately; inpatient surgery often starts near S$17,000.

Insurance and government schemes: Medisave can pay for approved cancer treatments. MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans help cover large bills. The Ministry of Health publishes fee benchmarks for transparency; see MOH Singapore for official medians and subsidy details.

Tip: Ask hospitals for itemised estimates and subsidy eligibility before treatment.

Comparing expected costs

Plan for a wide range depending on stage and therapy choices.

Early-stage costs tend to be 2–4 times lower than advanced-stage care. Radiation and targeted therapies add the highest incremental costs. Use hospital financial counsellors to estimate out-of-pocket spending and MediShield payouts.

Where to get care in Singapore

Both public hospitals and private clinics provide high-quality breast cancer care.

Major public centers include Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore. Private options include specialist breast clinics and private hospitals. For minimally invasive diagnostics and oncoplastic surgery, consider specialist clinics such as the PanAsia Breast Clinic.

Fact: Specialist breast clinics often accelerate diagnosis and provide multidisciplinary care.

Early detection and screening

Early detection lowers treatment intensity and improves survival.

Screening options include mammography and ultrasound. Government programmes like Screen for Life offer subsidised screening for eligible women. Screening costs vary by provider; community and public hospital rates are lower. For official screening guidelines, check HealthHub Singapore.

Stat: Early diagnosis often leads to less invasive surgery and lower total costs.

Choosing a treatment plan

Decisions should balance cancer biology, personal goals, and finances.

Teams usually include surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and genetic counsellors. Discuss reconstruction timing, fertility preservation, and second opinions. Ask about clinical trials and access to novel therapies before signing consent.

Practical step: Request a full care pathway estimate from your clinic and a written timeline for treatments.

Summary

Breast cancer treatment in Singapore offers high-quality clinical options across public and private settings. Costs depend on chosen hospital, stage, and therapies, but subsidies and insurance can reduce out-of-pocket spending. Book timely screening and consult a multidisciplinary team to match treatment to medical needs and finances.

FAQs

How much does breast cancer surgery cost in Singapore?

Private surgery ranges from about S$3,000 for minor day procedures to S$17,000 or more for inpatient surgery. Public-subsidised costs are lower for citizens and PRs.

Does Medisave cover breast cancer treatment?

Yes. Medisave can be used for approved cancer treatment items, subject to limits and withdrawal rules.

What is the cost of chemotherapy per cycle?

Average private chemotherapy costs are around S$1,500 per cycle, though targeted or immunotherapies cost much more.

Where can I get minimally invasive biopsy in Singapore?

Many specialist breast clinics provide ultrasound-guided core needle and vacuum-assisted biopsies. PanAsia Breast Clinic lists these services on their page.

Are there subsidies for screening?

Yes. Programs like Screen for Life offer subsidies for eligible women through public providers.