Regular breast checks helps detect cancer early which can greatly increase the chances of recovery as well as provide more treatment options.
Breast cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected at home through self-examination. It is useful and important when used in combination with regular physical examinations by a doctor, mammography, and ultrasound. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances for treatment and survival. Therefore, it is recommended that all women incorporate breast self-examination as part of their routine breast cancer screening process. Here are some easy steps that you can follow:
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for the examination of breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
Guidelines on Breast Cancer Screening
39 years and below |
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40 to 49 years |
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50 years and above |
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Mammogram Screening
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. You could do a mammogram without a doctor’s referral. However, there are some criteria for this screening mammogram.
- Females aged 40 years old and above
- No history of breast cancer
- No symptoms such as breast lumps, cysts, nipple discharge, etc.
- No breast implants
- Not pregnant
- Has not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months
No. This promotion is valid for women with no breast problem. Please continue to see your doctor.
- The result will have a letter from the radiologist. If your result shows some changes that require further follow up, we recommend that you consult your doctor for further assessment as soon as possible.
- Mammogram is the most effective method in detecting breast cancer early. At the same time, you should also be aware that mammograms are not always 100% accurate. They can sometimes show false “positive” or false “negative”
results.
A false “positive” result is when mammogram indicates that there may be a cancer when cancer is not present. A false “negative” is when the mammogram does not show any signs of cancer when cancer is actually present.