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Mammography
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Mammography
• Breastscreening Eligibility
• Breastscreening Preparation
• Breastscreening Procedures
• Symptoms of breast cancer

Mammography is a simple examination of the breast using low-dose X-ray. Mammography allows early detection of cancerous cells, which are too small to be felt by the hand. Early detection of the malignant cells enables early medical intervention that may results in saving the breasts. Mammography service is available in most of the NHG Diagnostics centre based in NHG Polyclinics and MAMMOBUS.

NHGD' s centres at NHG Polyclinic & MAMMOBUS are accredited to perform screening mammography under the national breast-screening programme known as BreastScreen Singapore (BSS). Under this programme, women are encouraged to undergo screening mammography at a subsidized rate. Being accredited involves complying with stringent quality assurance guidelines and procedures.

BreastScreen Singapore (BSS)
BSS is a national breast screening programme which encourages women aged 50 years and above to go for regular mammography once in 2 years.

Ladies eligible under the BSS programme will pay a subsidised rate of $50 (Singapore citizen) or $75 (Singapore PR) instead of the normal rate is $100 at these screening centres. A doctor's referral is not needed.

To be eligible, woman must fulfill the following criteria:
 
 
•
 Is a Singaporean or permanent resident  
 
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 Aged 40 years and above  
 
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 Have not gone for mammography in the last 12 months ( for women aged 40-49 years old)  
 
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 Have not gone for mammography in the last 24 months (for women aged 50 years old & above)  
 
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 Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or nipple discharge  
 
•
 Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months  
 
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 Is not pregrant and unlikely to be pregnant  
 
 
 
Please call the nearest NHGD’s centres to make an appointment for mammography. For more information about BSS, you may call BreastScreen Singapore (BSS) at 1800-333 3030 or visit the web-site at www.hpb.gov.sg
 
Preparation and Points to note:
 
 
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 The appointment is usually booked one week after the patient's menstruation when the breasts are less likely to be tender.  
 
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 On the day of the examination, please do not use talcum powder or body lotion on the chest, as these will be reflected on the X-rays.  
 
•
 If you are unable to keep to your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible.  
 
•
 Please do not be late for your appointment as this will affect the scheduling of the other patients and your examination may have to be postponed.  
 
 
The Procedure:
 
 
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 A female radiographer will perform the procedure to safe guard your privacy.  
 
•
 Before the examination, the radiographer will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history. Palpation of your breasts will also be done prior to the mammography.  
 
•
 During the mammographic examination, it is necessary to compress the breast using a plastic plate in order to obtain a more detailed image of the structures in the breast. The compression may be uncomfortable but please inform the radiographers should you experience any extreme discomfort.  
  Besides regular mammography, you are encouraged to perform monthly breast self examination to look for:  
 
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 A lump that persists  
 
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 A change in the size or shape of one breast  
 
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 A dimpling or puckering of the skin (like orange peel)  
 
•
 A retraction (pulling in) of the nipple  
 
•
 A discharge (clear or bloody) from the nipple  
 
 
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
In early stages of breast cancer, there is usually no pain and there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, the following symptoms could appear:
 
 
•
 a persistent lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area  
 
•
 a change in the size or shape of the breast  
 
•
 a dimpling or puckering of the skin (like orange peel)  
 
•
 blood or discharge from the nipple  
 
•
 a newly retracted (pulled in) nipple  
 
 
Consult a doctor if you notice any of these changes.
 
 
 
      Last update: 31 Oct 08  
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