Dr Su Jun
Associate Consultant, General Surgery
Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women in Singapore. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can help to improve the chances of survival, leading to a better quality of life. Early treatment of breast cancer also results in a lower risk of cancer recurring in the future. Early diagnosis of breast cancer starts off with screening, which aims to detect breast cancer at its initial stages before it shows symptoms such as a detectable breast lump, pain or nipple discharge.

In Singapore, women aged 50 and above are recommended to go for a mammogram once every two years for breast cancer screening. A mammogram is a special type of X-ray which is done by gently compressing the breast for a few seconds between two flat plastic plates. The mammogram aims to detect small and subtle X-ray changes in the breast which could point to early signs of breast cancer, so that further investigations can be done. You may experience some transient discomfort during this procedure, but the feeling is like the compression felt during blood pressure taking. For less discomfort, you can schedule the mammogram about 7 to 10 days after the start of your period for pre-menopausal women, when the breast is less tender.

If you already experience symptoms in the breast such as a breast lump, nipple discharge or breast pain, do inform the radiographer regarding this as you may not be suitable for breast screening and may have to see a breast surgeon first.

Women between the age of 40 to 49 can also go for mammograms. However, younger women tend to have denser breast tissues which may obscure any abnormalities seen on the mammogram. Do consult your doctor about whether a mammogram or other imaging modalities may be beneficial for you if you are within this age group or younger.

Mammograms are safe and only involve a tiny amount of radiation exposure. Evidence shows that mammograms allow for early detection and treatment of breast cancer and improve survival rates from breast cancer. Screening mammograms can be done at various Polyclinics in Singapore, the Singapore Cancer Society Clinic @ Bishan, as well as the Community Mammobus.

Following your mammogram screening, if your results are normal, you will receive a letter stating that you have a normal mammogram and recommending that you continue going for regular mammogram screenings. If there are abnormalities detected on your mammogram, you will be referred for follow-up scans such as a repeat mammogram or ultrasound scan at a restructured hospital. This does not directly mean that you have breast cancer, but merely means that further scans are needed to further examine these abnormalities. Depending on these investigations, you may then see a breast surgeon to discuss any biopsy or surgery if required.

It may take some time for you to receive notification regarding your mammogram results and recommendations, hence do not be overly alarmed if you do not receive this immediately after your screening session. It is also normal to feel anxious while waiting for your screening results but be reassured that screening helps to detect breast cancer earlier so that outcomes will be better after treatment.

On top of mammogram screenings, it is also important to do monthly breast self-examination to look for early signs of breast cancer such as breast lumps or nipple discharge. You can refer to the image below for further information. Do consult your family doctor or general practitioner early if you notice any early signs of breast cancer such as a breast lump on self-examination.