Mammogram · Singapore
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breasts that can show changes too small to feel. A female radiographer takes the images, and our female doctors can go through the results with you.
Low-dose images that can show changes too small to feel.
A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts. Each breast is placed between two plates and compressed for a few seconds while low-dose images are taken, so that changes too small to feel — including early breast cancer — can be seen and followed up.
At Fusion Medical, mammograms are done on site at Wheelock Place, in 2D or 3D. A 3D mammogram, also called digital breast tomosynthesis, takes images from several angles that a computer builds into thin slices of the breast, and the clinic can perform 2D and 3D imaging in one sitting.
No screening test is perfect. Dense breast tissue can hide a cancer on a standard mammogram, and some findings turn out to be normal after further checks. That is why your doctor may suggest a breast ultrasound or a 3D mammogram as well, and why checking your own breasts every month still matters.
How it works
Breast tissue, fat and abnormal areas absorb X-rays differently, so they show up as different shades on the image. Compression spreads the tissue out so it can be seen clearly with a low dose. The images are then reported, and your doctor explains the report and any next steps.
What a mammogram looks at
A mammogram shows the inner structure of the breast. The images are checked for changes that can be early signs of breast cancer, such as:
2D mammogram
Two pictures of each breast are taken, one from above and one from the side, giving flat images that are then reported. It is the established screening mammogram for women without symptoms.
3D mammogram (tomosynthesis)
The X-ray tube moves in a short arc, taking several low-dose images from different angles. A computer builds them into thin slices that can be reviewed one layer at a time, which can make it easier to see past overlapping or dense tissue. It feels much the same as a 2D mammogram but takes a little longer.
Mammogram and breast ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves instead of X-rays. It is often added to check whether an area seen on a mammogram, or a lump you can feel, is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass, and it can help when breasts are dense.
Who it's for
Screening mammograms are for women without breast symptoms. HealthHub advises a mammogram every year from 40 to 49, after discussing the benefits and limitations with your doctor, and once every two years from 50. A family history of breast cancer, or dense breasts on a previous mammogram, may change when and how you screen.
New lump or nipple change? See a doctor — don't wait for screening.
A screening mammogram every two years is the usual advice for women without symptoms; eligible women can have it subsidised at Fusion Medical under Healthier SG Screening.
A yearly mammogram is advised once you have discussed its benefits and limitations with your doctor. The Fusion Breast & Women's Health package is designed for women aged 40 and above.
A 3D mammogram, or an added breast ultrasound, can help when dense tissue makes a standard mammogram harder to read.
The Perimenopause & Menopause package includes a 3D mammogram alongside hormonal, bone and heart checks.
A mammogram is included in, or can be added to, most of our packages for women, from Fusion Silver to Opal.
Your mammogram, step by step
Book a standalone mammogram or choose one within a screening package. Pick a date at least a week after your period.
Skip deodorant, powder and creams on the day, wear a two-piece outfit, and bring any previous mammogram images or reports.
After a short consent form, a female radiographer positions and compresses each breast for a few seconds per image. The mammogram takes about 10–15 minutes.
The images are reported. Your doctor explains the report and arranges an ultrasound or further tests if they are needed.
From our doctors
Dr Juliana walks through a mammogram at our clinic, from the consent form to the imaging. In the clinic tour, our co-founders start in the mammography room, where both 2D and 3D mammograms are done.
Safety & expectations
A screening mammogram is for women without symptoms. A new breast change should be checked by a doctor straight away.
Tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have breast implants or have had breast surgery, and bring any previous breast imaging. Mammograms find many breast cancers early, but not all, so keep checking your breasts every month.
You can have a screening mammogram at Fusion Medical, Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, near Orchard MRT. We perform 2D and 3D mammograms on site, either on their own or as part of a health screening package, and our female doctors can go through the results with you. Eligible women can also have a subsidised screening mammogram here under Healthier SG Screening. Our team can advise which option suits you when you book.
A mammogram can be uncomfortable, but the pressure lasts only a few seconds for each image. Each breast is compressed between two plates so the tissue can be seen clearly, then released straight away. Booking at least a week after your period, when breasts are less tender, can help. Tell the team if it hurts so they can adjust your position.
The mammogram itself usually takes about 10–15 minutes, and a 3D mammogram takes slightly longer than a 2D one. Allow around 30 minutes for the appointment, including changing. If your mammogram is part of a health screening package, the whole visit typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
A 2D mammogram takes two flat pictures of each breast, from above and from the side, while a 3D mammogram, or digital breast tomosynthesis, takes several low-dose images from different angles that a computer builds into thin slices. Both use low-dose X-rays and feel much the same. 3D images may help when breast tissue is dense; your doctor can advise which suits you.
Schedule your mammogram at least a week after your period. On the day, don't apply deodorant, powder, perfume or creams to your chest or underarms, as they can show up on the images. Wear a two-piece outfit, since you will undress to the waist, and bring any previous mammogram images or reports so they can be compared.
Women without breast symptoms are advised to have a screening mammogram every year from 40 to 49 and once every two years from 50, according to HealthHub, Singapore's national health portal. In your 40s, discuss the benefits and limitations with a doctor before you start. A strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may mean starting earlier or adding other tests.
Yes. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 50 and above can use MediSave for a screening mammogram, including a 3D mammogram, at Fusion Medical. The CPF Board lists mammograms for women aged 50 and above among the health screenings covered by MediSave500/700, which has a yearly withdrawal limit shared with other outpatient claims. Our team can check your eligibility and the amount before your appointment.
Yes, a mammogram can miss some breast cancers. It is an effective screening test, but not every cancer shows up on one, especially in dense breast tissue, which looks white on the image, as many cancers do. Your doctor may suggest a breast ultrasound or a 3D mammogram as well. Keep checking your breasts monthly, and see a doctor about any new change, even after a normal result.
Doctor-led care
Appointments
Book a screening consultation or a standalone mammogram, and have your results explained by one of our female doctors.
