Let share around to increase awareness since it is the breast cancer awareness month.
According to the latest cancer registry report released in May, breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 cancers in women. In fact, it is the number 1 cancer among women in Singapore. Hence, they encouraged you to go for a regular health screening to ensure you are free from breast cancer.
In the event when there are any abnormalities detected during the examination, the doctor can advise you the proper treatment.
What are the different breast cancer screenings?
(1) Self-examination
They recommend that women above 20 carry out breast self-examination once a month, a week after menses. Here is what you need to look out:
- A lump, thickening, or hardened knot that persists
- Change in the size or shape of one breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Retraction (pulling in) of the nipple
- Discharge (clear or bloody) from the nipple
For more information on self-examination, you can refer to here.
(2) Clinical Examination
While a clinical examination performed by a healthcare professional. It trains them to recognize different abnormalities and warning signs of cancer. The checks done during the clinical examination is similar to self-examination. It is important as an experienced professional may notice a suspicious symptom we fail to detect yourself.
For more information on clinical examination, you can refer to here.
(3) Mammography
Women aged 40 to 49 should go for a mammogram once a year while those aged 50 and above to go for it once every two years.
The mammogram is an x-ray done where a radiographer will position and scan your breast between two flat plates, one breast at a time. They compress it for a few seconds during this scanning. While scanning, they expose the breast to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue.
Unlike self-examination and clinical examination, mammography can detect tumours much earlier.
For more information on mammography, you can refer to here.
Cost of mammogram in Singapore
The cost of a mammogram in Singapore is $100. However, after subsidy by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), here are the charges:
- Singapore Citizens: S$ 50
- Singapore PR: S$ 75
- Pioneers (65 and above): S$ 25
- Singaporean women above 50 years old holding the orange and blue Chas card: FREE
If you are above 50, you can use your Medisave to claim for mammogram cost.
Where to go for breast cancer screening in Singapore
(1) For those are who are eligible for the free mammogram
Singapore Cancer Society Clinic @ Bishan
9 Bishan Place
#06-05, Junction 8 Office Tower
Singapore 579837
Contact No: 1800-727-3333
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm (Last appointment at 5:30pm)
(2) For those are who eligible for subsidised screening
National Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD) Polyclinics
Tel: 6275 6443
- Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic
- Bukit Batok Polyclinic
- Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic
- Clementi Polyclinic
- Hougang Polyclinic
- Jurong Polyclinic
- Toa Payoh Polyclinic
- Woodlands Polyclinic
- Yishun Polyclinic
SingHealth Polyclinics
Tel: 6536 6000
- Bukit Merah Polyclinic
- Geylang Polyclinic
- Pasir Ris Polyclinic
- Queenstown Polyclinic
- Sengkang Polyclinic
- Tampines Polyclinic
- Outram Polyclinic
Parkway Health Imaging Services Radiologic Clinic
Tel: 6533 2721
- Radiologic Clinic (at Health Promotion Board)
Singapore Cancer Society Clinic @ Bishan
Tel: 6499 9133
Hospitals
You can get a mammogram done at any of the major hospitals in Singapore including:
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- National University Hospital
- Alexandra Hospital
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital,
- The National Cancer Centre Singapore
- Mount Alvernia Hospital
- Thomson Medical Centre
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Medical Centre
Lastly, you do NOT need a doctor’s referral to make a doctor appointment.
