| Screening
for breast cancer starts with you |
| |
Breast cancer remains the most common
cancer among Singaporean women today.
About two women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and about 250 women
die from breast cancer every year.
One in 20 women in Singapore has a chance of getting breast cancer
in her lifetime, and her chance increases if:
|
•
|
She is older than 40 years
old. |
|
•
|
She has a close relative (mother,
sister or daughter) who has breast or ovarian cancer. |
Breast cancer, if detected and treated early, can be cured. This
is how you can beat it:
|
•
|
Do regular breast self-examination
and go for regular mammography. |
|
•
|
Know the signs of breast cancer
and see a doctor if you notice a change in your breasts. |
A mammography is a simple examination of the breast using low-dose
X-ray. It can detect cancerous lumps in the breast that are too small
to be felt by the hand. In this way, it is possible for the cancer
to be detected early and removed completely to save the breast.
Breast cancer may develop in the interval period between mammographic screenings.
It is important to do BSE during the
interval period.
All women 30 years and above should do BSE regularly — once a month, about
one week after a period when the breasts are less tender and lumpy. Menopausal
women should choose a fixed monthly date for their BSE.
This is a national breast screening programme run by the Health Promotion Board
which encourages women aged 40 years and above
to go for regular mammography.
Women 40 years and above will receive invitation letters to go for mammography.
Once enrolled in the programme, women will receive reminder letters for the next
routine mammography.
Mammography services are available at hospitals, private X-ray centres and selected
polyclinics.
Go for regular mammography. It can save your breast and your life!
For more details, call BreastScreen Singapore at 1800-333 3030 or visit www.hpb.gov.sg. |
| |
| The current recommendations
for breast screening in Singapore |
| |
| |
Age 30 – 39 years |
Age 40 – 49 years |
Age 50 years & above |
Do breast
self-examination
(BSE)
monthly |
 |
|
|
Go for
mammography |
 |
(once a year) |
(once every
2 years) |
|
