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BREAST CANCER SCREENING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS




If I do not meet the criteria for breast cancer screening programme, can I still participate in other screening programmes?

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for breast cancer screening, you may still be able to participate in the other screening programmes (cardiovascular disease risk factors screening programme, colorectal cancer screening programme or cervical cancer screening programme) provided that you meet their eligibility criteria.

Note: For breast cancer screening the upper age limit is 69 years old unless clinically justified.


How do I prepare myself for the breast cancer screening (mammogram)?

You will be referred by a nurse from the Well Woman Clinic to the Radiology Department at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital for your screening mammogram. Your appointment will be sent via Short Messaging Service (SMS). On the day of your appointment, it is advisable to wear a two-piece outfit. Avoid using talcum powder or deodorant on that day.


What to expect during screening mammogram?

Mammogram is a type of breast x-ray that will take picture of your breast. The procedure will be performed by a female radiographer. She will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up. Mammogram will then be performed by placing one breast at a time between two plates. The whole procedure should take around 30 minutes.


Are there any health risks from the screening mammogram?

During the screening, the machine will press firmly on your breast for a few seconds to take picture and this may cause discomfort. Mammogram is an x-ray thus produces small amount of radiation which is unlikely to cause harm. Unfortunately, mammogram can be missed about 10 to 20% of breast cancers.


How do I get the results of my screening mammogram?

For your mammogram results, you can collect the result from the Well Woman Clinic's counter after 4 weeks.

If your mammogram is normal, you will be re-invited for screening in 3 years time.

If your mammogram is unclear or if it does not look normal, you will need further tests and be contacted directly by a staff from the Radiology Department at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.