How can I be screened?

If you detect changes in your breasts, your doctor will examine you and enquire about your family history. Your lymph nodes, underarms, and neck lymph nodes will be examined for swelling, pain, or other abnormal conditions. If there are any unusual findings, further tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis, such as an ultrasound or mammogram.

• Mammography

  A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can identify a tumour early on, before a lump is detectable. Your breasts will be placed on the machine. Then, two metal plates will press your breasts firmly for 10 to 15 seconds. Mammogram pictures can show your breast tissues and ducts, including micro-calcification, breast cysts (commonly seen during menstruation), undetectable lumps and other key indicators.

• Ultrasound scan

  Ultrasound scanning uses sound waves to generate a digital picture of your breast. This type of scan can examine breast lumps and abnormalities at the lymph nodes in the armpit. If the radiologist finds any abnormalities during your mammogram, further ultrasound imaging can show whether the breast lump is solid or a fluid-filled cyst.

• Pathological tests

  Pathological tests and biopsies involve removing a piece of your suspect tissue for further testing. A breast biopsy requires to remove a small piece of breast tissue from your suspicious area for testing. Your tissue sample will be examined under a microscope to determine if it contains any cancerous cells. You may experience mild pain and bleeding at the biopsy site following the procedure, but the wound should heal within a few days.