Mammography

The following information has been specially prepared to help you understand the procedure and to make your visit to the KK Breast Centre a pleasant one.

Where are we?
The KK Breast Centre is located at Level 1 and next to KKH Pharmacy (please refer to the map overleaf).

What is Mammography?
Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts. lt is one of the primary means of diagnosing early breast lesions. The X-ray images will be viewed by a radiologist who will report your results to your doctor.

What to expect during the examination?
A female radiographer will perform the mammography. Privacy will be ensured throughout the procedure. You will be asked a few questions regarding your medical history. Your breasts may be examined before the X-ray procedure.

During mammography, it is essential to apply firm compression on the breasts for a few seconds. This is to ensure good visualisation and detection of any abnormality. Every effort will be taken to minimise the discomfort.

Additional views or supplementary ultrasound of the breast(s) may be required on request by the radiologist.

The examination may take up to an hour.

Radiation dose
The radiation dose you will receive is very small. Hence, no side effects will be caused from the radiation.

Will I need to be admitted?
The examination usually does not require hospital admission. It can be performed on an outpatient basis.

If you are admitted to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) on the appointment day for other reasons, please inform the ward staff to contact the KK Breast Imaging Unit for appointment.

Preparation for mammography
On the day of the examination, please DO NOT USE TALCUM POWDER, BODY LOTION or DEODORANT on the chest and armpits as these may show up on the X-rays.

For your convenience, you should wear a two-piece outfit (blouse and skirt/pants).

Important points to note:

1. Please bring the mammography request form from your doctor for the appointment. We need information on the form to begin the procedure.
   
2. For a detailed history and comparison, please bring all previous diagnostic imaging records that you have done in other medical institutions.
   
3. If you are or suspect that you are pregnant, please inform the doctor or the radiographer.
4. To minimise discomfort to you, the mammogram should preferably NOT be performed within the week prior to the onset of your menstrual cycle. If your appointment falls within this period, you are advised to contact the KK Breast Centre for a change of the appointment date. You are also advised to change your follow-up appointment with the referring Specialist Outpatient Clinic/Polyclinic.
5. Please do not carry any valuables or excessive cash with you during your appointment.
6. Please be punctual for your registration and appointment.
7. Please inform us early if you are unable to keep the appointment.
8. If you are late, a new appointment may have to be made or you will have to wait while we serve patients who are punctual or have medically urgent conditions first. The waiting time for late comers may be up to 1 hour plus during peak periods.
9. To change only your scan appointment, please contact KK Breast Imaging Unit at tel: 6394-8058 or fax us at: 6394-8078
10. If you need to change both your scan and medical appointments, please call Appointments/Specialist Outpatient Clinics Hotline at tel: 6294-4050.