
If you're a man, we want you in this conversation. A recent study by the Singapore Cancer Registry found that an average of 6 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer daily. That is a horrifying number, and one we want to drastically reduce.
Yet, despite hearing all this talk of breast checks and pink ribbon walks to raise awareness, Breast Cancer Foundation says fewer than 40% of women in Singapore attend mammogram screenings. Which is why we want to get our men involved in the conversation. Our bodies and health issues still sometimes remain largely taboo topics, even between our closest friends and family, and yet it is something we all need to do. Through normalising conversations and recognising that health screenings and breast checks are simply a necessary part of life, we can hopefully save more lives in the future.
So fellas, here are some conversation starters we would love for you to bring into our daily lives, and why we need you to keep talking about our breasts.
1. “Good afternoon wifey / sis / mum / dear friend, how was your day? Did you check your breasts today? Go on, it only takes a few minutes.”

Yes, it may seem an odd request to have a son ask this of his mum, but let’s de-mystify this discussion to get to the heart of the issue! We need to shed the collective perspective that breast health is only a women’s concern. Sons love their mothers just as much as daughters do, and a gentle reminder can come from anyone to nudge the women we care about to take some time to check their breast health.
“As a man myself, it’s scary knowing that someone I love could be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer does not only affect the diagnosed, but the people around them too. So I think it’s important that we men don’t shy away from the conversation of breasts, but rather, start encouraging our mums, wives, sisters, relatives, and friends to get their breasts regularly checked.” – Thomas Yang, Executive Creative Director, DDB Worldwide
We’ve got advice from the experts on the best way to check your breasts, and it really only takes a couple of minutes in the shower, or while standing in front of the mirror, or even taking a couple of extra minutes before getting out of bed in the morning to gently feel the breast tissue for lumps, tenderness or irregularities.
2. “What feels and looks normal for you, and what are the changes we should look out for?”
For all women, it’s important to establish a baseline, of what the breasts normally look and feel like. This comes with time, after checking the breasts over the course of a few months. Often they can change slightly in shape and feel with hormones, and become tender during menstruation. This is where getting comfortable involving yourself in your partner’s breast checks can also be a big help.
Ladies, why not ask your man to get involved in helping you to check your breasts. By looking front on, they can see if there is any disfigurement around the areola, or any red patches that you might have difficulty seeing for yourself. It could also be a close form of affection, to ask for help in gently feeling the tissue for any inconsistencies or breast lumps.
3. “Can I come with you to your next breast cancer screening appointment?”
Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, Singapore and worldwide. Even with indisputable evidence that early detection can save lives, still women are not keeping on top of their breast health, with less than 40% of women in Singapore having their mammograms done on time, or at all. And there is generally a big reason for that: fear. Fear of pain and discomfort, fear of the results, and a feeling that there is a lack of support.
The Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore conducted a focus group, and the resounding response from women was that they would like their partner to step up and support them on their breast health journey. “If, like a partner, my husband would encourage me, I feel that he is vested to know that my health is at a clear state. I think that is going to be very encouraging as well.”
If there is anything you can do to reassure your partner, it is simply taking an interest, and being there for her. Stay in the waiting room, hold her hand when she’s finished, and then take her for a meal to remind her how important she, and her health, is to you.
4. “When is your next screening appointment, and what’s involved? Can you put it in our calendar so we can remember together?”

The mental load of daily life is heavy, and can be shared! Just like you have a conversation about when the kids next dental appointment is, or what day works best for a swim class, why not add breast screenings to the family calendar.
Unless there is a family history of breast cancer or breast changes are detected, a woman’s first mammogram should usually be scheduled when she reaches forty years old. Check out our guide for what’s involved in a mammogram, and the clinics available. A full breast screening can also include an ultrasound to check the tissue more thoroughly, especially if the breast tissue is dense.
If the results are all clear, then the next mammogram won’t have to take place for another two to three years, or yearly from the age of fifty. But that doesn’t mean the breasts are just to be left alone! Breast checks should be done at home monthly, so make it a regular thing.
Don’t be afraid to talk about breasts, guys. Remember, early detection can be the key to survival.