What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer Screening in Singapore: the Facts and Why it Matters

Did you know that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Singapore? In fact, one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

That’s why it’s so important for all women to understand the facts about breast cancer screening and make an informed decision about whether or not to get screened. In this blog post, we will discuss the facts about breast cancer screening in Singapore and why it matters to everyone.

What is Breast Cancer Screening?

Breast cancer screening means looking for cancer before there are any symptoms. This can be done with a breast exam and/or a mammogram.

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Screening mammograms are used to look for early signs of breast cancer. They usually involve two x-rays of each breast.

These x-rays are taken from different angles. A diagnostic mammogram is used to help find the cause of certain breast changes.

It may be used if you have symptoms like a lump, pain, skin changes, or nipple discharge. It usually involves more x-rays than a screening mammogram.

Breast cancer screening can help find cancer early when it’s small and before it has spread. Finding breast cancer early makes it easier to treat and increases your chance of survival.

The goal of breast cancer screening is to find cancers that need to be treated, but it can also find benign (noncancerous) conditions and some abnormal growths that will not become cancer. Also, keep in mind that all tests have risks as well as benefits.

Mammograms, for example, expose you to low levels of radiation. But the risk from this exposure is very low compared with the benefits of early detection.

The decision to have a screening mammogram is up to you and should be based on your personal risk factors for breast cancer, as well as your preferences and values. You may want to discuss the pros and cons of mammography with your health care provider before making a decision.

How Often Should you get Screened for Breast Cancer

Most people ask, how often do I need to get screened for breast cancer or when do I need to begin breast cancer screening in Singapore? Now, the answer to how often you should get screened for breast cancer depends on several factors.

These include your age, family history, personal health history, and the results of previous screenings. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women of average risk get a mammogram every year starting at age 45.

They also recommend that women ages 40 to 44 have the option to start annual mammograms. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier or get additional tests, such as MRIs.

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. That’s because the earlier the cancer is found, the better your chances are of survival..

If you’re under 45, you can talk to your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them. You may need to start earlier or get them more often if you have certain risk factors for breast cancer. 

These include a personal or family history of the disease, dense breasts, or a genetic mutation that increases your risk. Even if you don’t have any risk factors, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so you can report them to your doctor right away.

These include a change in the size or shape of your breast, discharge from your nipple, dimpling of your skin, and a lump in your breast or underarm area. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

What are Some Risks Associated with not getting screened for Breast Cancer?

As mentioned before, breast cancer is one of the most common cancer in women, and screening tests can help find breast cancer early when it’s most treatable. That said, there are some risks associated with not getting screened for breast cancer. These risks include:

• An increased risk of dying from breast cancer
• A heightened risk of ultimately being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer
• An increased risk of needing more aggressive treatment and
• A lower survival rate

Therefore, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risks for breast cancer and whether or not screening is right for you. Also, if you’re undecided about whether or not to get screened for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

How can you Make sure that you’re Getting the most out of your Breast Cancer Screenings

There are several things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your breast cancer screening. First, make sure you’re seeing a qualified radiologist.

Radiologists are doctors who have specialized in reading and interpreting medical images, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs. When it comes to breast cancer screenings, radiologists can often detect tumors that are too small for a woman to feel.

So it’s important to see one if you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your screenings. Also, ensure you have a yearly Mammogram, starting at age 40.

You should also do a monthly self-exam and see a doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. Additionally, eat healthily and exercise regularly, as this can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Finally, stay aware of your family history and get genetic testing if necessary; this could give you important information about your risk factors. Ultimately, by taking these steps and being proactive about your health, you can help ensure that you’re getting the most out of your breast cancer screening – and doing everything possible to protect yourself from the disease.

Bottom Line

We can’t stress enough how important it is to get screened for breast cancer – especially if you’re over the age of 40. Mammograms are vital for early detection, and the earlier breast cancer is caught, the better your chances are of survival.

So don’t put off getting a mammogram. Make an appointment with your doctor and get screened today.

At the Health Clinic Group (HCG), we offer a full range of breast cancer screening in Singapore. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care, and we offer both mammograms and genetic testing.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or make an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

 

The Health Advisory Clinic – Women’s Health | STD/HIV Testing
1 Raffles Pl, #04-49, Singapore 048616
+65 9886 6442
https://healthclinicgroup.com/

 

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