Breast cancer is something that many women cannot easily relate to, so there is little reason to be bothered. This article will help more women get breast screening for more suggestions about breast screening in Singapore. It reveals breast screening, which requires using a machine to look for changes at an early stage.
Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer among women. If cancer is found early, before it has spread to other parts of the body, the chances of survival are higher. Yet, despite the fact that women owe it to themselves to find out if they have it, but do not. A major purpose of breast screening is to detect early signs of cancer. Doing so can reduce deaths from breast cancer, and, if cancer is found at an early stage, it can spare patients the pain from chemo and the overall burden of the illness.
What is Breast Screening Singapore?
Breast screening Singapore is a test to find out whether there are any abnormalities in the breast tissue. The test is aimed at detecting cancer in its initial stages, so that it can be treated as soon as possible.
- It is done through a physical examination or an x-ray, which is also called a mammogram.
- It is done through breast self-awareness. After doing the screening test, you do not need a doctor’s appointment to receive the results; they are interpreted by a radiologist who is experienced in screening. When someone discovers a tumor, it is important to determine whether it is cancer by doing some additional tests, such as biopsy or imaging.
1. Age 20s: Self-Exam
- Breast self-examination is a simple self-check that will help you identify changes in your breast. It should be done once a month, a week after menstruation ends.
- Self-exams can help detect lumps before they become cancerous. These abnormalities can be detected by checking for lumps, swelling, redness, or nipple discharge.
2. Age 25 onward: Breast ultrasound
- Beginning at age 25, talk to your doctor about breast screening. An ultrasound may be used to check changes found on a mammogram or on a self-examination.
- Ultrasound is painless and radiation-free. It uses high-frequency sound waves to distinguish between solid lumps and fluid-filled cysts.
3. Age 35: Mammography
- A few breast risk models have various risk factors. You should discuss with your doctor which risk model is most suitable for you and how the risk of developing breast cancer depends on the model used; these issues should be discussed together.
- Women fall into different risk categories, so some women will need breast screening earlier than others.
4. Age 40: Breast mammogram
- Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. The best way to protect yourself from breast cancer is to go for regular mammograms. Have a mammogram every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above. Mammographic screening can find cancer early, when treatment is more likely to help.
- Women at the age of 40 should go for screening regularly. Breast cancer risk increases with age, and women above the age of 40 are at higher risk, so stay alert for any changes in your breasts.
5. Identifying the risk factors and early signs of breast cancer
Early identification of breast cancer will have many benefits. For example, if a woman is diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer, she is less likely to have breast removal (mastectomy) or the entire removal of all breast tissue. This condition applies particularly to women who have breast cancer at an early stage. In addition, it could lead to less use of chemotherapy or avoidance of chemotherapy altogether, with a lower chance of the cancer spreading or recurring.
6. Breast cancer self-exam
Early breast cancer screening is best to find signs of cancer before the disease gets worse. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. During the process, a female radiographer will place your breast between two flat plastic plates and compress it for a few seconds. This is performed on one breast at a time. Some discomfort may be experienced, but it is important for the breast tissue to be compressed in order to capture a clear X-ray. After a mammogram, you will be told the results. You might need further tests to confirm or rule out breast cancer. If your mammogram results are abnormal and you are asked to go for further tests, do not panic. 9 out of every 10 women who need further tests will have normal results. Having to go for further tests does not mean you have breast cancer.
How Often Should You Get a Mammogram?
- A mammogram is recommended every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above, for early breast cancer detection. Doing a monthly breast self-examination also keeps you aware of any changes to your breasts.
- Mammography is used to assess a person’s breast health. Its results are normally known within several days.
- The whole process is quick, taking only about ten minutes.
Why You Should Consider Breast Screening?
Early diagnosis of the disease through a breast examination will allow you to make better health decisions. It will also allow you to avoid unnecessary treatment. For example, if you find a tumor in your breast and it’s not cancerous, it may not need to be surgically removed.
Breast screening can also help you identify non-cancerous tumors in your body; cancer screening can discover tumors that never cause harm. In some cases, they may not be treated and cause no issues. However, if the cancer is found early and, therefore, before it spreads to other parts of your body, you have a better chance of survival than if the cancer was found at a later stage. It will also allow you to avoid or delay chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery treatment.
Final words
Going for screening regularly is one way to help find breast cancer early. Do a monthly breast self-examination, and go for a mammogram every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above. As you age, you should follow the screening plan your doctor recommends. Ask your doctor about the screening plan that fits your risk and age. Learn about the current symptoms of breast cancer and ask about the screening period and regular check-ups early and long enough to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is breast screening?
Breast screening is a test to find out whether there are any abnormalities in the breast tissue. The test is aimed at detecting cancer in its initial stages so that it can be treated as soon as possible. It is done through a physical examination or an x-ray, which is also called a mammogram, or through breast self-awareness.
When should screening start?
Talk to your doctor about breast screening from age 25 onward. An ultrasound may be used to check changes found on a mammogram or on a self-examination. Go for a mammogram every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above.
Why should I go for breast screening?
Early diagnosis through a breast examination will allow you to make better health decisions. If cancer is found early, before it has spread to other parts of the body, the chances of survival are higher. It can also spare you more treatment, such as chemotherapy.
How often should I get a mammogram?
Go for a mammogram every year if you are between 40 to 49 years old, and once every two years if you are 50 and above. Do a monthly breast self-examination as well.
What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?
If your mammogram results are abnormal and you are asked to go for further tests, do not panic. 9 out of every 10 women who need further tests will have normal results. Further tests may include a repeat mammogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.
Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not medical advice for any one person. Breast screening saves lives only if your doctor advises it and you follow up. Talk to your doctor about your options and risks first.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026