According to the Singapore Cancer Society, there is about a 5% chance that a woman in Singapore can develop cancer in her life. While not all women do not get this dreaded disease, there are those whose risks are higher than others, especially when breast cancer runs in their family. Breast cancer can be fatal when not treated. To avoid placing your life at risk, it is important that measures are taken early on to prevent the disease from developing. One way to do this is to undergo a mammogram screening in Singapore (https://healthclinicgroup.com/breast-cancer-screening/).
What is a mammogram screening?
Mammography is considered as the most imperative test used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can catch breast cancer symptoms up to two or three years before a tumor can be detected or felt by touch.
Mammogram is basically a medical or diagnostic test that takes an X-ray image of the breast. There are two ways that a mammogram can be done:
- Traditional mammogram – This involves taking 2D images of the breast.
- Breast tomosynthesis – This is a more advanced technique where 3D images are generated by the mammogram.
How is mammogram screening done?
A mammogram is done using a special X-ray machine.
To start with the test, you will be asked to stand in front of the mammogram. Next, your breast will be placed on a plastic plate and another plate will then be put on top of your breast. The top plate will then begin to press down firmly on your breast, flattening and holding it still until the capturing of the X-ray image is completed. These steps are repeated to take the side view of the breast. After the images are taken, the technologist will examine them to make sure that everything is clear and there is no need to redo the test.
Is a mammogram painful?
Having the breast flattened by two plates can bring a lot of discomfort. The degree of pain that a mammogram test can bring from the pressure of having the breast squeezed in between plates all depends on several factors, such as:
- The breast size
- How much the breast needs to be pressed firmly
- The skills of the technologist assisting your mammogram procedure
Your breast may be more sensitive and be subjected to more pain when you are undergoing a mammogram procedure during or right around the time when you are about to get your monthly period. A mammogram is fairly quick to get done, so the discomfort or pain will not last long.
How do I know if I need a mammogram screening?
Generally, you must undergo a mammogram screening upon reaching the age of 40. For women whose risk of developing breast cancer is higher, a mammogram screening is recommended at the age of 30 or at an early age advised by the doctor.
Aside from these general recommendations, there are other telltale signs that can indicate your need to consult with a doctor about getting a mammogram test. Here are some warnings you should look out for:
- Abnormal nipples. The breasts produce milk and this only happens when one is breastfeeding a child. Any abnormal discharges that come out of the nipples when you are not breastfeeding at the moment can indicate the presence of breast cancer. Other breast cancer symptoms that affect the nipples include flaking of the skin, nipple inversion or retraction, or reddening of the nipple area.
- A sudden change in your breast size. Due to hormonal fluctuations, it is not uncommon for the breast to change in size. However, if you happen to notice a sudden change in the size or shape of one breast, then this is already concerning.
- A drastic change in the thickness and texture of your breast’s skin. Any change in thickness or texture of the skin over and surrounding the breast area is not normal and should be urgently brought to the attention of a doctor.
- Pain in the breast/s. It is not unusual to feel pain in the breasts, especially when you are about to get your period or during the time that you are menstruating. Feeling pain often even when you do not have menstruation is a different story. If you are experiencing aches in any part of your breast, have it checked by your doctor. There are times when the symptoms of breast cancer are not present and a persistent breast pain is the only clue to the disease’s existence.
- Presence of a bump or lump. If you felt a lump in your breast, it is crucial that you bring this matter to your doctor for consultation and screening. A bump or lump in the breast is one of the most obvious signs of breast cancer.
How often should I undergo a mammogram screening?
The recurrence of undergoing a mammogram screening varies between women.
Those who are past the age of 40, but not over 54 and are not at high risk of developing breast cancer, annual mammogram screening is recommended. Women who are over the age of 55 can change the cadence of their mammogram every other year and continue to do so up until they reach the age of 75.
If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer and have undergone a mammogram test at an early age, your doctor may recommend to undergo the procedure every year following your initial test or, in some cases, other doctors may advise to get the test as often as every six months.
How should I prepare for a mammogram screening?
Being informed and prepared for your mammogram screening is a great way to put yourself at ease prior to and during the test. Here are some tips to consider:
- Book your mammogram test a week after your period is over. Your breasts are less tender when you are done menstruating and this can help lessen the pain and discomfort that you may experience during the mammogram test.
- Skip using body products or fragrances during your scheduled mammogram. Metallic particles that are present in the ingredients of antiperspirants, deodorants, creams, lotions, or powders can be caught in the mammogram image and affect the results.
- Keep previous mammogram results and bring them during your next screening. If you are scheduled for a mammogram screening at a different facility, be sure to bring your previous mammogram images so that a comparison between your old image test results and your new ones.
The Health Advisory Clinic
One Raffles Place, #04-49
1 Raffles Place, Singapore
048616
https://healthclinicgroup.com/
Tel: (+65) 6226 6442
Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442
