According to the Summary of National Cancer Registry 2012-2016, breast cancer is the commonest cancer amongst females and the trend of incidence in 2012-2016 is similar to 2007-2011. Malaysian women have a 1 in 19 chance of contracting the disease in her lifetime.
Mammography is presently the best method of detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages – before the cancer has spread and often before the tumour can be felt. It is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breasts to look for abnormal changes, such as microcalcification, as small as <1mm. This examination is recommended for women above 40 years.
A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the inside of the breasts. It is often done to find out if a problem found by a mammogram or physical exam of the breast may be a cyst filled with fluid, a solid tumour or a condition that is not worrying. It is also the first choice for women under the age of 40.
Early detection, followed by appropriate treatment will lower the risk of serious complications and increase the chances of successful treatment. In supporting and urging women to actively screen, Beacon Hospital now offers a mammogram scan at RM150, with a free breast ultrasound.
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