A common perception is that mammograms are harmful to the body and may increase existing risk of cancer as they expose women to radiation during the screening process. However, in actuality, radiation exposure during mammograms is very low. Correspondingly, the health risk to women is also very low.

Yes. Studies show that regular breast screening in women aged 40 years and above can reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer by up to 50%. This translates into lives saved.

Studies have shown that breast screening is most effective in women between the ages of 50 and 70. The effectiveness of breast screening for women in their seventies is not as apparent.

Mammogram facilities are available in numerous breast screening centres island-wide. The Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign to screen women above the age of 50 for breast cancer. Under this campaign, the cost of mammograms is heavily subsidised. Mammograms are available as part of a general health check in most restructured hospitals and specialist outpatient clinics. Mammograms are also provided at the SCS Multi-Service Centre.

An abnormal result from a mammogram does not automatically mean that a woman has breast cancer. A large proportion of abnormalities are caused by other factors. Women whose mammogram results indicate abnormalities will be directed to take follow-up tests such as a repeat mammogram and/or an ultrasound scan. For women whose abnormal results remain suspicious, they will be directed to undergo a surgical biopsy to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cancer.

This is a small surgical procedure to remove the abnormality in the breast for laboratory analysis. This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia as a day surgery.

Some women may experience pain resulting from the mammogram process. There is also a small health risk from radiation exposure.

At this time, no diagnostic test is 100 per cent accurate. It may be possible for healthy women to obtain a false abnormal result and for unhealthy women to obtain a false normal result. To mitigate this possibility, it is important for women to exercise vigilance by also performing monthly breast self-examinations.