Eligibility
- Have not undergone a mammogram in the last 24 months
- Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or blood-stained nipple discharge
- Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months
- Have not received breast implants
Women with breast implants are advised to make a hospital appointment for screening.
Frequency
Women aged 50 and above are advised to make an appointment for a mammogram once every 2 years.
Make an Appointment
Make a mammogram appointment at the SCS Multi-Service Centre by providing the following information:
To make an appointment for a mammogram, please complete and submit the following form to us and we will be in touch with you within 3 working days to confirm a suitable appointment time, subject to slot availability.
* compulsory fields
Preparation
On the day of screening, please:
- Present your NRIC and CHAS cards for registration
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit
- Do not apply powder, cream, or perfume on your chest and underarm area
Procedure
- Before your mammogram, a healthcare professional will conduct a clinical breast examination.
- You will then be ushered into the mammography room where a female radiographer will position and scan your breast between two flat plates, one breast at a time.
- Your breasts will be compressed for a few seconds during this scanning process.
Please inform the radiographer if you experience discomfort or pain.
Results
The results will be mailed to your mailing address 3 to 4 weeks after the screening date. A medical report will not be given:
- If your results are normal, you are encouraged to continue conducting monthly breast self-examination and to go for regular mammogram screening once every two years.
- If your results appear abnormal, you will be sent a letter with instructions to book a subsequent appointment at a recommended hospital for follow-up tests.
Further Testing Required
The follow-up tests required will depend on your mammogram results. The doctor will recommend a suitable test such as a repeat mammogram for different views of the breast or an ultrasound scan to have a closer view of the breast tissue.
FAQ
Are mammograms painful?
A certain amount of compression of the breast is required to obtain a clear image on the mammogram. This may be uncomfortable and painful. Should you experience pain, please inform the radiographer immediately.
Are mammograms harmful?
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.
Is there any proof that mammograms work?
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.
Are mammograms effective for all women?
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.
Where can I go for a mammogram?
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.
What happens if a woman’s mammogram is abnormal?
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.
What is a surgical biopsy?
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.
What are the disadvantages of a mammogram?
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.
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Singapore. Each year, over 1,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and over 400 die from the disease.* 1 in 11 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.** Nevertheless, the chances of surviving breast cancer increases with early detection.
