​Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Singapore today. In fact, one out of every 11 women in Singapore is likely to be affected by breast cancer. Every year, over 2,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed, with most of them at early stage. Because #healthiswealth #goodforhealth #healthforgood

Breast cancer screening: Prevention is your best protection

A mammogram (breast X-ray) is used to check for breast cancer. You should screen once every two years.

Here is a step-by-step on how to book for a mammogram screening.

1. Find out your screening eligibility

Subsidies for breast cancer screening are only available for women above the age of fifty, once every two years.

Subsidised rates:

Pioneer Generation: The screening mammogram will be $25.
Merdeka Generation (with effect from 1 Nov 2019): The screening mammogram will be $37.50.
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Cardholders - Blue or Orange: You will be able to enjoy further subsidies on your screening mammogram. Visit chas.sg for more information.
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Cardholders - Green / Singapore Citizens (with effect from 1 Nov 2019) / Singapore Citizens: The screening mammogram will be $50.
Permanent Residents: The screening mammogram will be $75.

The screening can be paid using MediSave at approved centres. Click here to find out more about MediSave and the list of approved centres.

2. Book a screening

  • An appointment is required for a mammogram.

  • Make an appointment at your nearest polyclinics and public/private healthcare institutions.

  • Schedule your appointment one week after the first day of your menstrual period.

  • Bring your NRIC, CHAS/MG/PG card and relevant document(s) to the clinic for the screening appointment.

*Please call ahead to check before your appointment.

3. Prepare for screening

On the day of screening:

  • Wear a two-piece outfit as you will need to undress from the waist up.

  • Do not use any perfume, deodorant, powder or ointment on your underarms or breasts as this may affect image clarity.

4. After the screening

  • If your results are normal (do not need to follow up at the hospital), continue to go for regular screening at the recommended frequency.

  • If your results are abnormal, you will be referred to a hospital to have further investigations done. It is important for you to attend this follow up at the hospital.

Ref: I23

Check out our other articles on breast cancer:

Breast Cancer: Am I at Risk?

Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Risk Factors

6 Tips to Keep Breasts Healthy

Abnormal Mammogram: What's Next?

Breast Cancer Treatment Options