A mammogram is an X-ray screening examination performed to detect breast cancer (BC) at an early stage, which is before a growth can be felt on the breast. All women aged 40 and above can undergo this examination.
A mammogram examination is performed by a female radiographer. It takes between 10 to 30 minutes. A mammogram examination is safe because the radiation is at a very low level. Y
ou are required to expose your chest area, and then your breast will be placed between two plates on the machine. An X-ray exposure will be made, and two X-ray films will be taken for each breast from different angles.
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer killer among Malaysian women. The 2003 National Cancer Registry reported that 3,738 new cases were detected in 2003. One in every 19 women is at risk during their lifetime.
However, approximately 2 percent of breast cancers (BC) occur in women under the age of 30. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer (BC) is 75 percent, meaning 75 out of 100 women who get BC this year will be alive 5 years from now. Also, if BC is detected at an early stage, 93 out of 100 women will survive for 5 years.
The pressure applied to compress the breast tissue may cause discomfort, but not pain. A mammogram should be performed at a time when the breasts are not tender.
Generally, women aged 40–49 should have it done every year, and women aged 50 and above should have it done every 2 years.
Malaysia or visit the nearest Klinik Nur Sejahtera. Eligible applicants will undergo a clinical breast examination at the LPPKN Klinik Nur Sejahtera first, before being referred for a mammogram screening.
