SingaporeMotherhood | Parenting
September 2021
Mammograms in Singapore – Subsidised Breast Cancer Screening Programmes & Costs
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Are you aware that breast cancer is the #1 women’s cancer in Singapore? That every year, over 2,000 women are diagnosed with it, and over 400 die from it? That one in 16 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime? And are you also aware that your chances of beating breast cancer improve greatly if you catch it early? To gain this advantage, regular screening is key. Find out where to get mammograms in Singapore, how much they cost, and if you qualify for subsidised screening programmes.
Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Clinic @ Bishan
Your risk of developing breast cancer rises as you age. Hence you should get a mammogram once every two years once you turn 50. Also, mammograms are most effective as a screening tool for post-menopausal women, as breast tissue is less dense. As such, SCS offers free mammograms for women:
- who are 50 years and above,
- have not gone for a mammogram in the last 24 months, and
- have a valid CHAS card (Orange or Blue).
How much Free
Where #06-05 Junction 8, 9 Bishan Place
Make an appointment at www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg or call 1800 727 3333
(See also: Cryoablation: this new Breast Cancer treatment deep-freezes the tumour to its death — at -170°Celsius)
Community Mammobus Programme
Women aged 50 and up who don’t have a CHAS card can get subsidised mammograms via the Community Mammobus Programme. It’s a collaborative effort between SCS, Breast Cancer Foundation, and National Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD) to make breast screening more affordable. The Community Mammobus is open to women:
- who are 40 years and above,
- are Singapore citizens, PRs, or resident foreigners, and
- have not gone for a mammogram in the last 24 months (50 years and above) or 12 months (40 to 49 years).
How much Free for Singapore citizens who are first-time screeners; $10 for repeat screener | From $25 for PRs and $107 for foreigners
Where Various venues/dates
Find latest schedule at www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg
(See also: Care, Problems, and Treatments for your breasts after giving birth, and breastfeeding)
Screen for Life (SFL) Clinics
BreastScreen Singapore is a national breast cancer screening programme under Health Promotion Board’s Screen For Life programme. It has been screening Singaporean women at highly subsidised rates since 2002. Mammograms cost $138 before GST at participating SFL clinics, but you enjoy subsidised rates if you:
- are a Singapore citizen or PR, and
- are 50 years and above, or
- 40 to 49 years and have consulted a doctor who advises you to get screened, and
- have not gone for a mammogram in the last 24 months (50 years and above) or 12 months (40 to 49 years).
In addition, women 50 years and above may use MediSave (yours or an immediate family member’s) at participating centres:
| NHGD centres | SingHealth polyclinics | Hospitals | Specialist centres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic | Bedok Polyclinic | Alexandra Hospital | National Cancer Centre |
| Bukit Batok Polyclinic | Bukit Merah Polyclinic | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital | Orchard Imaging Centre |
| Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic | Outram Polyclinic | KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital | Radiologic Clinic (at HPB) |
| Clementi Polyclinic | Pasir Ris Polyclinic | Mt Alvernia Hospital | Radiologic Clinic – Breast Imaging Centre |
| Geylang Polyclinic | Punggol Polyclinic | National University Hospital | Starmed Specialist Centre |
| Hougang Polyclinic | Sengkang Polyclinic | Raffles Hospital | Thomson Medical Centre |
| Jurong Polyclinic | Tampines Polyclinic | Singapore General Hospital | |
| Pioneer Polyclinic | Tan Tock Seng Hospital | ||
| Queenstown Polyclinic | |||
| Toa Payoh Polyclinic | |||
| Woodlands Polyclinic | |||
| Yishun Polyclinic |
How much $25 for Pioneer Generation | $37.50 for Merdeka Generation | $50 for Singapore citizens | $75 for PRs
Where See table above
Make an appointment at NHGD centres or call 6275 6443 | SingHealth Polyclinics or call 6536 6000 | via HealthHub | Individual hospitals and specialist centres
(See also: MediSave for Pregnancy and TTC – Financial Aid for Making Babies (2021 Update))
#My1stMammo by 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) x Icon Cancer Centre
Caught early, breast cancer is a highly treatable and curable disease. However, women from low-income families often are unable to access mammograms, resulting in late diagnoses and poor outcomes. This is particular true for women aged 40 to 49, who may not qualify for existing free or subsidised programmes.
To fill this gap, 365CPS and Icon Cancer Centre have teamed up to launch the #My1stMammo fundraising campaign. Their aim is to provide underprivileged women aged 40 and above with free access to a mammogram, including pre- and post-consultation with a GP at a SATA Medical Centre. The #My1stMammo campaign will run till 31 October 2021 and hopes to raise $80,000.
Please contribute to this cause and help to sponsor life-saving mammograms for women in need.
Mammograms in Singapore
Are you aware that about 60 per cent of women in the high-risk age group are skipping mammograms in Singapore? Don’t be one of them. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, be aware that regular screening detects breast cancer early and saves lives. Make sure that you and the ladies you care about get your mammograms regularly. It’s time to get it off your chest!
(See also: [GIVEAWAY] FREE Baby Express Breast Pumps and Travel Pouch sets!)
Featured image: Olya Kobruseva from Pexels
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