Breast Centre: Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Breast Cancer

Learn about the services offered by the Breast Centre at Changi General Hospital.

From breast cancer screening and assessment to diagnosis and treatment, CGH Breast Centre offers services for all breast conditions.

One-Stop Breast Cancer Services

Changi General Hospital’s Breast Centre offers a comprehensive one-stop service in breast cancer screening, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all breast conditions. Staffed by dedicated doctors and nurses, the clinic and radiology suites at the Breast Centre are equipped with state-of-the-art advanced technology and equipment. It is also the first centre in Singapore to use ultrasound elastography to assess breast lesions, which provides the doctor with more information to assess if a patient needs a biopsy.

If any tests are necessary, they will be conducted on the same day of your doctor’s consultation, and the results will be available as soon as possible. Professional Breast Care nurses and mainly female staff are close at hand to provide emotional support.

Breast Centre is located on Level 3 of CGH Medical Centre. We believe in patient-focused service, where the comfort, privacy and convenience of all our patients are our top concern.

Mammogram Screening

Our health screening clinic offers mammogram screening for women above 40 years old by appointment. You will be examined by a female health screening doctor to assess your risk factors, followed by a mammogram test. Depending on your condition, you may be recommended to add an ultrasound breast scan. Where appropriate, our doctor will refer you to specialist doctors for further evaluation and management. For Singaporean women aged 50 and above, Medisave can be used for mammogram screening. Please contact the Appointment Centre at 6850 3333 for more information.

Breast Cancer Myths

One thousand Singaporean women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, resulting in one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world. One-fifth of these only seek breast cancer treatment when they are at the late stage of breast cancer.

In a research study conducted by Breast Centre and published in the Singapore Medical Journal, 52 percent of 1,000 women surveyed thought that a breast lump is cancerous only if there is pain in the breast. About half also thought that removing the whole breast or breast surgery was the only treatment for breast cancer. This is a myth. If detected early, breast cancer can be treated without the need for major surgery or chemotherapy.

Download the Caring for Your Breast booklet for more information!

Surgery for Benign Breast Lumps

We treat a range of benign breast conditions:

  • Breast lumps
  • Nipple discharge
  • Breast infection/abscess
  • Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
  • Assessment of abnormal mammogram and/or ultrasound

Surgery for benign breast lumps is carried out as a day-surgery procedure without the need for admission. The wound is covered with a waterproof dressing, allowing the patient to bathe immediately after surgery. The stitches (if any) do not require removal as they are made of absorbable material.

Mammotome Biopsy for Breast Lumps

Mammotome is a special device that allows a breast lump to be removed with a needle through a small incision. It is performed under local anaesthesia. However, not all lumps are suitable for mammotome biopsy and the doctor will assess and advise you.

Surgery for Breast Cancer

We offer a comprehensive range of surgical options for breast cancer:

  • Mastectomy
  • Lumpectomy
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Axillary sampling
  • Axillary clearance

Patients requiring surgery for breast cancer are admitted on the morning of their surgery. Recovery from breast cancer surgery is usually fast, and patients are allowed to consume food after surgery. Most are well enough to get out of bed the next day and be discharged. They will be reviewed at the clinic three days later. Breast Centre's nurses can be contacted anytime should patients have any problems after discharge.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is to create a breast form to replace the breast tissue after mastectomy. It can be done immediately after a mastectomy or at a later stage.

There are many different types of reconstruction:

  • Implant reconstruction
  • TRAM flap reconstruction
  • LD flap reconstruction

The doctor will assess and advise the most suitable type for you.

Positive Appearance Service

Breast Centre offers a Positive Appearance Service for patients who do not opt for breast reconstruction. Instead, they can still look good by wearing a specially designed bra and breast form. A trained female expert will individually assess and do a fitting for the patient in complete privacy.

Counselling Services for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

We offer breast cancer patients and their families:

  • Breast counselling service run by two dedicated Breast Care nurses
  • Breast support group made up of nurses, volunteers and breast cancer survivors. Psychiatrists and psychologists are also at hand, upon request.

Support Group Events for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

Various free events are conducted throughout the year for breast cancer patients and their families to attend. These include group therapy and workshops on how to cope with cancer.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer Management

Breast cancer management involves a team of dedicated doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. We bring all the experts together to provide quality and seamless healthcare to our patients.

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