Breast Screening: The Basics

DR RAMEYSH DANOVANI, consultant radiologist and medical director of Specialist Women’s Imaging Clinic (SWI), answers our breast screening queries.

When should I get screened for breast cancer? Women who are at average risk should consider annual screening mammograms from the age of 40, and twice yearly mammograms from the age of 50. However, there are other risk factors that can predispose a patient to getting breast cancer, such as genetic mutation. In these cases, women who are more at risk may be advised to consider breast screening from an earlier age.

Do discuss any concerns regarding risk factors with your physician in order to determine the best method of screening for you and your risk profile.

What are the different types of breast cancer screening and which is the most effective? Mammograms and ultrasounds are the most common forms of imaging modalities used to screen for breast cancer worldwide. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, mammography is the most effective screening tool for early detection. It has been proven to save lives from breast cancer, as it can detect small or early stage cancers in the breast before they can even be felt.

Breast ultrasound, on the other hand, is not an effective screening tool on its own. It is generally used in addition to mammography, particularly in cases where breast tissue is quite dense or if further imaging is needed after a mammogram.

Specialist Imaging Women’s Clinic #10-04A to 07 Camden Medical Centre,

1 Orchard Boulevard

8874 0613 | swi.asia

SWI is a dedicated women’s imaging clinic that specialises in diagnosing and treating disease using medical imaging techniques. In addition to breast imaging services and breast biopsies, SWI provides general and pelvic ultrasound, and bone densitometry.