In Singapore, Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst women (30%), and roughly 1 in 13 of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Screening for it is extremely important, especially amongst patients with risk factors such as :
- Family history of Breast cancer (especially if diagnosed early) , BRCA1 BRCA2 genetic mutations
- Early menarche (start of menstruation) or late menopause
- Nulliparity (not having any children)
- Previous hormone replacement use
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
In Singapore, the MOH Breast Cancer screening guidelines are as follows.
1. Target Population
- Women aged 50 to 69: This age group is encouraged to undergo regular mammography screening every 2 years.
- Women aged 40 to 49: Screening is optional and should be discussed with a doctor, as the benefits and risks vary depending on individual risk factors.
- Women aged 70 and above: Screening is not routinely recommended but may be considered on an individual basis after consulting a healthcare provider.
2. Screening Method
- Mammography: This is the primary screening tool for breast cancer. It is a low-dose X-ray of the breasts and is effective in detecting early-stage cancers.
- Clinical Breast Examination (CBE): While not a substitute for mammography, CBE can be performed by a healthcare professional during routine check-ups.
- Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Women are encouraged to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to their doctor. This should be done on a regular basis by all women. However, BSE is not sufficient as a standalone screening method.
- Ultrasonography : This is usually done for younger women who choose to or require to undergo screening (e.g due to high family risk). Mammography may not visualise breast tissue well due to density of breast tissue in younger women and hence ultrasound may be more appropriate.
3. High-Risk Individuals
- Women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2), or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier and more frequently. These individuals should consult their doctor for a personalized screening plan.
4. Screening Programs
Under the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Screen for Life (SFL)women aged 50 years and above can benefit from subsidised mammogram screenings which cost:
- $50 for Singapore citizens
- $75 for Permanent Residents (PRs)
- $37.50 for Merdeka Generation Cardholders and
- $25 for Pioneer Generation Cardholders at participating locations.
Advantage Medical offers one-stop breast cancer screening services, with on-site mammography and ultrasonography available.
Subsidised mammography under the national Screen for Life programme is also available.