3D Mammogram | Icon Health Screening

What is a mammogram and how does it work?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. During a mammogram, your breast will be gently positioned between two X-ray plates, which compress your breast tissue to ensure clear images. These X-rays will then be analysed by a doctor, who will meet with you to discuss and explain the results.

3D mammograms

A 3D mammogram captures multiple X-ray images from various angles, creating a more detailed three-dimensional view of the breast tissue. This advanced technology offers the following benefits:

Personalised compression: The 3D system captures high-resolution images from multiple angles in a single session, reducing the need for repeated compressions typically required in 2D mammograms. The machine adjusts the compression based on individual breast size and shape, ensuring a more comfortable and personalised experience.
Minimised discomfort: Soft compression pads with rounded edges are used to improve comfort during the screening process. The paddle automatically stops at the optimal compression level, making the experience more gentle, particularly for those who may find mammograms uncomfortable, or who have a lower threshold for pain.
Higher accuracy: 3D mammograms offer enhanced mass detectability and up to 3.5 times better depth resolution than 2D mammography, improving the ability to detect abnormalities, particularly in dense breast tissue.

Who should receive a mammogram and why?

An annual mammogram screening is recommended for all Singaporean women aged 40 years and above. Mammogram screening plays an important role in the early detection of breast cancer, ensuring any changes to the breast are identified at an early stage (before you experience signs and symptoms) and offering a better chance of successful treatment.

Don’t delay, book your mammogram screening today, please make an appointment or contact us:

☎️ (65) 6970 5200
📧healthscreening.sg@icon.team

A supportive step-by-step approach:

Make your appointment via online booking, phone, WhatsApp or email – A member of our team will be in touch to confirm your appointment
Pre-mammogram screening assessment – Our team will assist to explain the process to you, how to prepare, and help you feel comfortable ahead of your mammogram appointment
Post-mammogram review – Our team will contact you with the results from your mammogram screening and will arrange for a face-to-face consultation with our doctor to explain these results

FAQs

Sometimes you may be asked to come in for a secondary mammogram. Additional screens are to:
- Look at an area of your breasts from other angles, or with further magnification
- Evaluate a cyst in more detail
- Evaluate calcifications – small pieces of calcium which develop in the tissue
- Flatten out / compress the tissue to smooth out any overlap
- Evaluate augmented breasts with implants (based on referral from a doctor)
If changes to your breast are detected through a mammogram, this does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Your doctor will organise further mammograms, tests or scans to investigate your results, such as an ultrasound of your breast to identify any areas of concern, and may refer you to a specialist doctor if necessary. At Icon Health Screening, we are here to support you throughout this process and will ensure you receive comprehensive care both during screening and beyond into treatment if required.
It is recommended to schedule your mammogram screening when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you have not gone through menopause, this is usually during the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your menstruation.
Although mammograms may cause some discomfort, this only lasts a short amount of time during the screening process and can be minimised by scheduling the procedure when your breasts are least likely to be tender (e.g. the week following your menstrual period).

Further information and resources

To learn more about the importance of breast screening, early diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment options available, we encourage you to visit the helpful articles below from Icon Health Screening and Icon Cancer Centre or ask one of our friendly team members at any time.

Breast care for women of every age

Learn more

What is breast cancer?

Learn more

Myths of breast cancer

Learn more

Young women with breast cancer

Learn more