Dr. Juliana Dato Abdul Latiff: A breast cancer survivor advocating fertility awareness in cancer care

Women across Singapore are driving meaningful change, leading initiatives that uplift communities and create lasting impact. From breaking the cycle of poverty to advocating for financial literacy, healthcare, and corporate responsibility, these leaders are reshaping lives through their work.

In this four-part series, learn how their organisations empower individuals and how you can support their causes.

Advocating for fertility awareness in cancer care

Dr Juliana Dato Abdul Latiff – breast cancer survivor and co-owner of the health-screening clinic Fusion Medical – shares what drives her volunteer work with the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), and why she is raising awareness about the impact of cancer treatments on fertility.

Breast cancer awareness is more important than ever due to the rising incidence of the disease over the last few decades, particularly among women under 40. This awareness extends not only to the general community – encouraging individuals to take charge of their health, recognise symptoms, and undergo screening at the recommended age – but also to medical professionals, who must remain vigilant in screening and educating patients.

Detection of the disease at an early stage is so pertinent, as it can greatly affect outcome and survival. Unfortunately, more women succumb to breast cancer than they do from other types of cancers, despite the advancement in treatment options available.

From my experience, most patients are deterred from screening due to various factors such as cost, fear of pain, and lack of awareness. Others associate the need for a scan with illness, believing that if they feel fine, screening is unnecessary. Unfortunately, advanced breast cancer is on the rise, and early detection is crucial.

Discussing fertility is incredibly difficult after being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. From my own experience, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my primary focus was starting treatment to improve my chances of survival. Only after my health stabilised did I begin thinking about expanding my family again. Unfortunately, chemotherapy, combined with my pre-existing infertility made it very difficult.

I believe that incorporating fertility discussions into initial cancer treatment planning, with guidance from the oncologist and medical team, is an area that we can significantly improve on.

I do not hold a specific role at BCF, but I have volunteered by sharing my experience of how breast cancer affects self-confidence and self-esteem, along with advice on managing and overcoming these challenges.

We can do better as a nation to educate the public, raise awareness and shift the mindset that acts as a barrier towards screening. Singapore is not short of societies and foundations that are very actively involved in raising awareness and providing support to the breast cancer community.

Events and activities aimed at educating and raising awareness often attract those already affected by cancer. However, the general population, particularly younger women who believe breast cancer only affects older women, may not actively engage. In reality, breast cancer is increasingly affecting premenopausal women and those under 40, making it crucial to reach this group.

I was guilty of this myself – before my own diagnosis, I wasn’t an advocate or a strong supporter of breast cancer awareness efforts. Now, of course, I see things very differently.

The medical professional community can and should do more to educate patients on the importance of identifying breast cancer in both older and younger women, and encourage regular screening. We must continue this conversation with our patients in the hope of eventually breaking down barriers. Primary care doctors, as the first point of contact for most women before diagnosis, play a particularly crucial role in this effort.

Photography Athirah Annissa
Art direction Adeline Eng
Coordination Chelsia Tan
Hair Aung Apichai / Artistry, using Kevin.Murphy & Angel Gwee, using Davines
Makeup Benedict Choo, using M.A.C Cosmetics

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.