Breast Cancer Screening Singapore: Your Complete Guide to Early Detection and HOP Medical Centre Services
Executive Summary
Breast cancer screening Singapore programs are essential as breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, with 1 in 13 women expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The screening rate for breast cancer is 38.7% in 2019, up from 30.9% in 2017, indicating significant room for improvement in screening participation. Women with breast cancer detected early have a 93 to 100% survival rate after five years, making early detection through breast cancer screening Singapore initiatives critical for saving lives.
Understanding Breast Cancer in Singapore: Evidence-Based Statistics
The Current Landscape
Breast cancer screening Singapore statistics reveal that breast cancer is the commonest malignancy among Singapore women, accounting for 29.7% of all female cancers, with an age-standardized rate of 54.9 per 100,000 per year. About 1,100 new cases are diagnosed annually and approximately 270 women die in Singapore each year from breast cancer, highlighting the critical need for effective breast cancer screening Singapore programs.
Critical Statistics from Official Sources:
- For women, the 3 most common cancers are breast cancer (1 in 12 will get it in their lifetime), colorectal (1 in 34)
- The likelihood of a woman in Singapore developing breast cancer in her lifetime is about 5%. However, those with a family history of breast cancer will have twice the risk compared with women without a family history
- It has been the most frequent cancer in Singapore women for the last 30 years
Rising Trends and Risk Factors
One of the highlights of the data is that while older people continue to form the bulk of cancer patients in Singapore, the incidence of cancer increased the most quickly in people under the age of 50 years, especially those in the 30-39 year-old bracket.
Singapore has among the highest breast cancer incidence in Asia. Possible explanations include rapid urbanization, improvement in socio-economic status, and adoption of a western lifestyle. This makes breast cancer screening Singapore programs even more crucial for the local population.
Learn more about breast cancer risk factors: Singapore Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Official Screening Guidelines for Singapore Women
Government-Endorsed Recommendations
Official breast cancer screening Singapore guidelines from the Ministry of Health recommend: Between 50 to 69 years: Go for a mammogram once every two years. Between 40 to 49 years: Discuss with your doctor about the benefits, limitations and harms of mammogram. If you decide to do it, have it done every year.
For official screening guidelines: Ministry of Health Singapore Screening Guidelines
Health Promotion Board Guidelines
The Singapore Health Promotion Board recommends that women above 50 undergo screening once every two years. While women between the ages of 40 and 49 should consider screening once a year.
High-Risk Women Protocol
Woman with a first degree relative (i.e. mother, sister, or daughter) who has breast cancer is twice as likely to get breast cancer themselves, as compared to women without a family history of breast cancer. It is recommended woman with such a family history is to start breast cancer screening 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.
HOP Medical Centre: Your Trusted Partner for Breast Cancer Screening Singapore
About HOP Singapore’s Screening Services
HOP Medical Centre offers comprehensive breast cancer screening Singapore services as part of their integrated healthcare approach. With a proven track record of serving over 500 corporate clients annually, our meticulously developed screening methodology of two decades ensures swift delivery of high-quality outcomes for breast cancer screening Singapore programs.
Explore HOP’s full range of services: HOP Medical Centre Health Screening Services
HOP’s Key Advantages:
- 45,000+ Patients Screened Annually
- 500+ Onsite Screening Annually
- 20 Years of Experience
- Excellent blood taking track record (>99% success with a single needle prick)
HOP’s Mammogram Services
Whether you are in need of precise ultrasounds for detailed internal imaging, chest X-rays for comprehensive heart and lung evaluations, ECG for continuous monitoring of heart function, mammograms for early detection of breast abnormalities as part of breast cancer screening Singapore programs, or a variety of other crucial diagnostic tests, our one-stop medical center is designed to provide you with top-tier healthcare solutions.
Available Imaging Services at HOP:
- Mammogram screening for breast cancer detection
- Breast ultrasound for supplementary imaging
- Comprehensive radiology and imaging services
- Expert interpretation by qualified radiologists
Book your screening appointment: HOP Medical Centre Online Booking
Convenient Locations
HOP Medical Centre Locations:
- 390 Orchard Rd, #11-03/04 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
- 1 Tampines Central 5, #07-04/05 CPF Building, Singapore 529508
Contact Information:
- Orchard: Tel: 6589 0009
- Tampines: Tel: 6589 0002
- WhatsApp: +65 8831 3515
Understanding Mammography: The Gold Standard for Screening
Why Mammograms Are Essential
The mammogram is currently the most reliable screening tool for breast cancer screening Singapore programs. It can detect the presence of cancerous lumps even before they can be felt with the hand. Adhering to established mammogram guidelines can detect breast cancer up to 3 years before physical symptoms appear, making it a cornerstone of effective breast cancer screening Singapore initiatives.
Effectiveness of Mammography
Studies show that regular breast screening in women aged 40 years and above can reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer by up to 50%. This translates into lives saved.
Studies have shown that breast screening is most effective in women between the ages of 50 and 70.
What to Expect During Your Mammogram
The Procedure:
- Takes only 20-30 mins per participant
- A certain amount of compression of the breast is required to obtain a clear image on the mammogram. You may expect some discomfort or pain. The compression is similar to feeding of getting your blood pressure taken
Preparation Tips:
- For less discomfort, you may consider scheduling your mammogram 7 to 10 days after the start of your period; where your breast are least tender
- Remove deodorants, powders, and jewelry before the screening
- Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit
Subsidized Screening Programs in Singapore
National BreastScreen Singapore Program
Through the national Breast Cancer Screening Programme under HPB’s Screen for Life, women aged 50 years and above can enjoy subsidised mammogram screenings at participating breast cancer screening Singapore centres. A typical mammogram costs $138 (before GST).
Eligibility for Subsidies: To be eligible for the subsidies, women should be Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, asymptomatic and have not had a mammogram in the last two years.
Learn more about subsidized programs: Health Promotion Board BreastScreen Singapore
Healthier SG Screening Benefits
Breast cancer screening services are offered at selected polyclinics at these rates: $0 for eligible Healthier SG-enrolled Singapore Citizens, $25 for PG, $37.50 for MG, $50 for Singapore Citizens and $75 for Permanent Residents.
Mobile Screening Options
The Community Mammobus Programme (CMP) is Singapore’s first mobile digital mammogram screening centre accredited under the national Screen for Life (SFL) Program by Health Promotion Board (HPB), providing convenient access to breast cancer screening Singapore services across the island.
Find mobile screening locations: Breast Cancer Foundation Community Mammobus
HOP’s Corporate Health Screening Excellence
Why Choose HOP for Corporate Screening
Recognizing the critical role of proactive health management in corporate environments, HOP is dedicated to equipping employees with the necessary insights to enhance their well-being through comprehensive breast cancer screening Singapore programs for businesses.
HOP’s Corporate Advantages:
- Conveniently access comprehensive Health Screening services tailored to your needs, either on-site at your premises or at our specialized medical facility
- Comfortably able to screen over 100 pax within a 3-hour window period
- Results with personalised report within 1 week
- Post screening doctor consultation included at no charge
Explore corporate packages: HOP Corporate Health Screening
Client Testimonials
“Kudos to HOP for an exceptional health screening experience! The entire process from planning and coordination to screening and post support was seamless and smoothly executed. Results delivery was fast and scheduling a post-doctor consult was easy too!” – Jessica Leong, HR Director, Sentosa
“As an HR professional, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of how a corporate health screening helps improve employee engagement and is a further testament toward our commitment toward fostering a culture of care, health & well-being.” – Elias Ho, HR Manager, Shopee
Risk Factors and When to Start Earlier Screening
Family History Considerations
Women whose biopsies indicate atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, or lobular carcinoma in-situ should undergo regular breast screening. Women with previous instances of breast cancer are also at an increased risk of developing cancer in the same or opposite breast and should seek regular screening.
Additional Risk Factors to Consider
Reproductive History Risks: Certain aspects of a woman’s reproductive history can increase her risk of breast cancer. These include: • Not having children or having the first child after the age of 35 • Onset of menses before the age of 11 • Cessation of menses after the age of 55
Other Considerations: Young girls who consume oral contraceptive pills between the ages of 10-15 may have increased risk factors to discuss with healthcare providers.
Complementary Screening Methods
Breast Self-Examination
For women aged 20 and above, you are recommended to do a monthly breast self- examination. However, for younger adults, practising regular breast examinations once a month to look for abnormalities is encouraged.
Additional Imaging When Needed
Breast Ultrasound: Breast ultrasound for screening determines if the suspicious lesions are breast lumps or cysts not identified in the mammogram. This is necessary to increase the pick-up rate for cancers in Asian women due to the dense breast tissue, making it an important complement to breast cancer screening Singapore programs.
MRI Screening: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is recommended for women in a high-risk group, For instance, women with BRCA 1 or 2 genes or those with a family history of breast cancer.
Learn about different screening methods: National Cancer Centre Singapore Screening Information
Understanding Screening Results
BI-RADS Classification
When you receive your mammogram results, they will be classified using the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS):
- BI-RADS 0: Additional imaging needed
- BI-RADS 1: Normal
- BI-RADS 2: Benign findings
- BI-RADS 3: Probably benign (short-term follow-up)
- BI-RADS 4: Suspicious abnormality (biopsy recommended)
- BI-RADS 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy
What Happens with Abnormal Results
An abnormal result from a mammogram does not automatically mean that a woman has breast cancer. A large proportion of abnormalities are caused by other factors. Women whose mammogram results indicate abnormalities will be directed to take follow-up tests such as a repeat mammogram and/or an ultrasound scan.
To confirm the diagnosis, a breast biopsy is performed to remove a piece of tissue for examination under a microscope.
Addressing Common Concerns About Mammography
Radiation Safety
A common perception is that mammograms are harmful to the body and may increase existing risk of cancer as they expose women to radiation during the screening process. However, in actuality, radiation exposure during mammograms is very low. Correspondingly, the health risk to women is also very low.
COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations
Some people may experience enlarged/swollen lymph nodes after the Covid-19 vaccination, and this may affect the interpretation of the mammogram results. While not everyone will experience post-vaccine symptoms, women are encouraged to schedule their mammogram appointment before the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination or at least four to six weeks after the final vaccine dose.
Mammogram screenings are to be done at least 6 weeks after COVID-19 booster vaccinations to avoid inaccurate screening results.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps with HOP Medical Centre
Scheduling Your Screening
For Individual Screening: Contact HOP Medical Centre directly to schedule your mammogram and comprehensive breast cancer screening Singapore appointment:
- Orchard Location: 6589 0009
- Tampines Location: 6589 0002
- WhatsApp: +65 8831 3515
For Corporate Programs: Simply plan your health screening by providing a date, venue, interested participants and leave the rest to us. HOP’s experienced team will handle all logistics for your corporate breast cancer screening Singapore program.
View our locations: HOP Medical Centre Locations and Contact
What to Expect from HOP’s Services
Service Excellence:
- From online registration to report retrieval, we invest heavily in technology to elevate your health screening experience
- Each report is personally examined, and critical cases receive prompt follow-up in addition to a specialised helpline for consultations
- With a team of skilled phlebotomists, some of whom have performed more than 20,000 pricks, have peace of mind when taking blood
Comprehensive Health Assessment
Beyond mammography, HOP Medical Centre offers:
- Basic Health Screening available from as low as $0
- Executive health screening packages
- Corporate wellness programs
- Complete diagnostic imaging services
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get mammogram screening?
Women aged 40 years old and above (Singapore Citizens and Singapore PRs only) who • Have not gone for mammography in the last 12 months (40-49 years old) / 24 months (50 years old & above) • Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or nipple discharge • Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months • Not pregnant
Are mammograms effective for all ages?
The effectiveness of breast screening for women in their seventies is not as apparent, but individual assessment with healthcare providers is recommended for continued screening decisions.
What if I don’t have symptoms?
Early breast cancer may not have symptoms. Breast cancer screening using mammography is the best way of detecting cancer when it is so small and you cannot feel it.
How often should I be screened?
The frequency depends on your age and risk factors:
- Ages 40-49: Annual mammograms (after discussing with your doctor)
- Ages 50-69: Every two years
- High-risk women: May need annual screening plus additional imaging
Conclusion: Partner with HOP for Your Breast Health Journey
By following health guidelines and considering personal risk factors, Singaporean women may proactively detect and fight breast cancer on time through comprehensive breast cancer screening Singapore programs. Embrace the advantages of timely screening and make it an integral part of your breast wellness today.
Choose HOP Medical Centre for breast cancer screening Singapore because of:
- Proven Excellence: 20 Years of Experience in health screening
- Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art mammography and imaging equipment
- Convenient Access: Two prime locations in Orchard and Tampines
- Comprehensive Care: One-stop medical center for all your screening needs
- Corporate Solutions: Tailored programs for workplace wellness
Your health journey starts with a single decision. Contact HOP Medical Centre today to schedule your breast cancer screening Singapore appointment and take control of your health future. With women with breast cancer detected early having a 93 to 100% survival rate after five years, early detection through mammography screening could be the most important appointment you’ll ever make.
Ready to prioritize your health? Call HOP Medical Centre now or visit their website to book your comprehensive breast cancer screening Singapore appointment today.
This article is based on official health guidelines from Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, and peer-reviewed medical research. All statistics and recommendations are sourced from authoritative medical institutions and government health agencies.