Breast Screening Singapore: 5 Key Facts You Need to Know

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore. In 2020, there were 3,165 new cases of breast cancer in Singapore, and 462 women died from the disease. Breast screening is an important way to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

5 Key Facts About Breast Screening Singapore

1. Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74. Women in this age group should have a mammogram every two years.
2. Mammograms are the most common type of breast screening test. Mammograms use X-rays to create images of the breast tissue.
3. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Mammograms can find breast cancer even before it can be felt or seen on a physical exam.
4. Breast screening is safe. Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation, and the benefits of screening far outweigh the risks.
5. Breast screening is important for all women. Even women who have no family history of breast cancer should get regular mammograms.

Benefits of Breast Screening

Breast screening can help to:

• Detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable
• Reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer
• Give women peace of mind

Risks of Breast Screening

Breast screening is generally safe, but there are some potential risks, including:

• False positives. Mammograms can sometimes find areas of breast tissue that look like cancer, but are not. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies.
• False negatives. Mammograms can sometimes miss breast cancer. This is more likely to happen in women with dense breast tissue.
• Radiation exposure. Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation, but there is a small risk of developing breast cancer from radiation exposure.

Who Should Get Breast Screening?

Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74. Women in this age group should have a mammogram every two years. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent mammograms.

How to Get Breast Screening

Breast screening is available at most hospitals and clinics in Singapore. You can make an appointment for a mammogram through your doctor or by calling the Singapore Cancer Society.

Conclusion

Breast screening is an important way to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. All women should get regular mammograms, starting at age 50.

Additional Resources

• Singapore Cancer Society
• National Cancer Centre Singapore
• Ministry of Health Singapore

FAQs

Q: What is the best age to start breast screening?

A: The best age to start breast screening is 50.

Q: How often should I get a mammogram?

A: Women aged 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years.

Q: What are the risks of breast screening?

A: The risks of breast screening include false positives, false negatives, and radiation exposure.

Q: Who should get breast screening?

A: All women should get breast screening, starting at age 50. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent mammograms.

Q: How do I get breast screening?

A: You can make an appointment for a mammogram through your doctor or by calling the Singapore Cancer Society.