According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, 1 in every 13 women in Singapore may develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that there’s still a risk of developing breast cancer, it’s still important to be vigilant even if you feel fine. Early breast cancer may not have symptoms. Breast cancer screening using mammography is the best way of detecting cancer when it is so small and you cannot feel it. When detected at the early or pre-cancerous stage, breast cancer may be treated with simpler treatment and prevented from progressing to invasive cancer

A certain amount of compression of the breast is required to obtain a clear image on the mammogram. You may expect some discomfort or pain. The compression is similar to feeding of getting your blood pressure taken. Should you experience pain, please inform the radiographer immediately.

For less discomfort, you may consider scheduling your mammogram 7 to 10 days after the start of your period; where your breast are least tender. You may consider taking one or two painkillers (e.g. Paracetamol) right befor the procedure. 

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 Clinic @ Bishan.

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.

Some people may experience enlarged/swollen lymph nodes after the Covid-19 vaccination, and this may affect the interpretation of the mammogram results. While not everyone will experience post-vaccine symptoms, women are encouraged to schedule their mammogram appointment before the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination or at least four to six weeks after the final vaccine dose.

Discuss with your doctor if you are need to go for a mammogram soon after you get the vaccine. Your doctor will be able to advise on the situation. We advise patients not to delay mammogram without seeking doctor’s advice.

Click COVID-19 Vaccines and Cancer  to learn more.