Our Location
MammoCare
290 Orchard Road
#07-09 Paragon Medical Suite
Singapore 238859
Phone: (65) 6734-4880
Fax : (65) 6734-7009
For Location Map, click here
Working Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Sat: Strictly by Appointment
FAQ
1. How is breast screening useful?
Breast screening through mammography makes it possible to detect breast cancer at a very early stage, before it can be felt. This has shown to provide better survival rates if cancer is detected and treated at an early stage. (Bundred. ANZ Journal of Surgery 2007)
2. How often should breast screening be performed?
The American Cancer Society recommends that it be done once a year for women aged 40 and above. A study is Singapore has also been published which concludes that "locally an optimal screening interval may be close to one year". (Gao F. et al. Int J Cancer 2002)
3. Once I have done my breast imaging and a problem is detected, how will I know what it is?
Breast imaging provides us with pictures and images of the breast tissue. This does not give a diagnosis, but presents us with clues as to whether there is a major problem or not. The characteristics of the abnormality seen on the images can indicate the likelihood of being benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). To be absolutely sure about the nature of the abnormality, a biopsy might be needed.
4. What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is the removal of a sample of breast tissue for its study under a microscope. This may be in terms of removal of cells, or tissue sections depending on the nature of the images seen and the findings on physical examination.
5. Do I really need a biopsy?
The majority of women with abnormalities within the breast may not need to undergo a biopsy. The need for a biopsy depends on the clues that are left by the clinical, mammographic and ultrasound examinations. In some instances, a biopsy may be needed to establish a diagnosis and ensure that the abnormality is not cancer.
6. If it is breast cancer, will I have to lose my breast?
In the majority (80-90%) of cases, a woman will NOT need to lose her breast when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. This is Dr Tan's particular interest and skill. If a mastectomy (removal of the breast) has been suggested for the treatment of your problem, you may wish to see Dr Tan for an evaluation with regards to the suitability for breast conservation surgery. (treatment that allows a woman with breast cancer to keep her natural breast, rather than undergo reconstruction)
7. If I am diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to keep my breast, does it mean I will have a deformed breast?
The objective of Breast Conservation Surgery is to provide effective treatment for breast cancer with preservation of a woman's natural breast in as close to its original shape as possible. In other words, the aim is to preserve breast symmetry. If care is not taken to perform certain manoeuvres during surgery, chances are that distortion, sometimes severe, will result. Dr Tan has written about these special techniques that she uses during surgery to prevent distortion or denting of the breast after surgery, restoring the breast to its original shape as much as possible.
Ultimately, Dr Tan's goal is to allow a woman to be effectively treated for breast cancer while preserving her natural self and returning to life again after treatment is completed.
8. Will every doctor give the same opinion for a particular condition?
In most cases, doctors who are familiar with the treatment of a particular condition will give the same opinion on the management plans. However, in a few instances, opinions may vary depending on philosophy, technical ability and threshold for risk of missing a major problem.
With regards to biopsy, Dr Tan believes in providing as accurate a diagnosis as possible through non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques where appropriate.
With regards to breast cancer, Dr Tan's philosophy is to attempt as much as possible to give every woman diagnosed with breast cancer a fighting chance to preserve her natural breast in a form as symmetrical as possible to the other breast.