The National Cancer Centre Singapore reports that breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in Singapore, with approximately one in 12 women likely to develop it during their lifetime. Close to 14,000 new cases were diagnosed in Singapore between 2019 and 2023. These figures underline why clear, accessible information and appropriate follow-up remain important parts of breast health awareness.
Screening mammography can detect abnormalities before they can be felt, but the appropriate screening plan depends on individual circumstances and current local guidance. Singapore’s 2026 screening recommendations advise annual mammography for women aged 40 to 49 and mammography every two years for women aged 50 to 74. This clinical guidance is separate from subsidy eligibility: under Healthier SG Screening, eligible women aged 50 to 69 can receive fully subsidised breast screening every two years, while women aged 40 to 49 may do so when their doctor considers it clinically appropriate. Women should check current official guidance and discuss their circumstances with a healthcare professional.
Risk assessment is more nuanced than family history alone. Age, personal medical history, certain previous breast findings, inherited gene changes and other factors may influence a person’s risk. Having a risk factor does not mean that cancer will develop, while having no known family history does not eliminate the possibility. Women concerned about their family history or individual circumstances can discuss these with a qualified healthcare professional, who can advise whether a more tailored assessment is appropriate.
Preparing a few questions before an appointment can help make the discussion more useful. Women may ask whether they are due for screening under current Singapore guidance, whether their personal or family history affects the advice, what the benefits and limitations of mammography are, and what follow-up may be recommended if an imaging result needs further assessment. Bringing previous imaging reports, where available, can also help the care team understand the person’s history.
Practical preparation can make the appointment feel more straightforward. HealthHub Singapore advises people attending mammography to avoid deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment on the breasts and underarm area on the day, and to wear a comfortable two-piece outfit because clothing needs to be removed from the waist up. Where applicable, HealthHub also advises scheduling the test at least one week after the start of a menstrual period to help minimise discomfort. Patients should follow the specific instructions provided by their screening centre and inform the radiographer if they suspect they may be pregnant.
It is equally important to recognise that routine screening and assessment of symptoms are not the same. Screening is intended for people without symptoms. Anyone who notices a new breast lump, unusual or persistent nipple discharge, skin dimpling, a newly inverted nipple, unexplained swelling or another noticeable breast change should contact a healthcare professional promptly rather than wait for a routine screening appointment. Such changes do not automatically indicate cancer, but they should be assessed appropriately.
Breast health conversations should be supportive, respectful and free of blame. Some risk factors cannot be changed, and no online checklist can predict an individual outcome with certainty. Reliable information, current local guidance and a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional can help women understand their options and decide on appropriate next steps.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are encouraged to use trustworthy sources, keep up with recommended follow-up and seek advice when they have questions or notice changes. A timely conversation can replace uncertainty with clearer information and help people make decisions that fit their circumstances.
For readers seeking further information about , visit the clinic’s mammogram screening page. mammogram screening in Singapore

About Melanie Breast Specialist
Melanie Breast Specialist is a breast surgery clinic in Singapore led by Dr Melanie Seah, Consultant Breast Surgeon. Dr Seah trained in medicine at the National University of Singapore, completed residency in General Surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, holds a Master of Medicine (Surgery) from NUS and Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and undertook fellowship training in breast oncoplastic surgery in Düsseldorf, Germany. She has served as Senior Clinical Lecturer at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Clinical Teacher at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.