MS VERENA Thomas was 44 when she went for her first mammogram and discovered an inch-long tumour in her right breast.

Five years on, following surgery to remove her breast, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 49-year-old administrator recalls that she had not felt any lump in the area at the time.

She now encourages her female friends and colleagues to go for screening early.

Her advice - that early detection saves lives - is also the message of this year's breast cancer awareness month, which has been held here every October for the past 10 years.

The campaign aims to promote awareness of breast cancer and encourage women from 40 to 49 to go for yearly breast screenings; women aged 50 to 60 should undergo breast screening once every two years.

Each year in Singapore, 1,100 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 270 patients will die.

Sounding out all women here, senior consultant Lim Siew Eng of the Cancer Institute at National University Hospital said: "Get screened and take responsibility for your own health. This message is not new, but it does save lives." Dr Lim is also chairman of the organising committee for this year's campaign.

Among the events planned for this year's campaign are discounted mammogram screenings at polyclinics and hospitals.

Ms Thomas, who now goes for yearly mammograms and does self-breast examination regularly, is proof that screening works.

She said: "It could save your breast. It could save your life."

For screening locations and information, call the Singapore Cancer Society on 6221-9578 or go to its website at www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg