Outpatient Registration Hours

Mon-Thu: 8am-4:30pm
Fri & Sun: 8am-12:30pm

Pediatric Night Clinic Registration Hours

Mon-Thu: 7pm-8:30pm
Sun: 7pm-8:30pm

Visiting Hours

12pm-2pm
5pm-8:30pm

Address

465, Burma Road,
10350 Pulau Pinang,
Malaysia

Contact

Tel: (604) 222-7200
Fax: (604) 226-3366

Mammography

A mammogram is a special X-ray examination of the breasts. Mammograms are performed for two main groups of women:

As a test check for the breast disease in those with no symptoms. This can allow early cancers to be detected when they are still small or in early stage and treatment is most effective. This routine testing (called 'screening') is offered to women aged 43 and over.
To further investigate a detected lump or other abnormality which has been found on physical examination by your doctor or by yourself.

Mammography Machine (LORAD)

During the procedure, you may have to stand or siting in front of a mammography machine which firmly compresses each breast in turn whilst one or two X-ray are taken.

A female radiographer will be with you all the time during the examination. This may be uncomfortable but is necessary in order to get a proper view (informative image) of the breast tissue. Extra pictures may also be taken at the time to improve views of some areas.

It is also possible for the radiologist to take a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis under local anesthetic. This may be done by using a special mammography machine which called stereotactic biopsy.

No specific preparation is necessary but:

If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, it is essential you should tell the radiographer before the test as X-ray are avoided in pregnancy.
Please do not use talcum powder or deodorant on the examination day as these may interfere the image quality.
If you suffer from tender breasts before your menstruation period, you may wish to change your appointment to time when your breasts are less tender.

Factors of Breast Cancer

Cancer itself is one of the major killers in Malaysia. Over 2540 cases of breast cancer were reported in 1992 alone. Of these, 157 resulted in death.

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. However, there are special factors.

Age - as you get older, the risk of breast cancer increases. Two-thirds of all breast cancer occur in women above 50 years of age.
Nulliparity - a woman who never had a child had a higher risk.
Late pregnancy - a woman who had her first child after the age of 30 has a higher risk.
Early puberty - a woman who began menstruating very early has greater risk of breast cancer.
Family history of breast cancer - the risk is higher in women whose close female relatives has had breast cancer.

The best protection against breast cancer is to detect it at its earliest stage and to treat it promptly. A screening mammogram can detect cancer up to two years before a lump can be felt. Up to 90% of cancer can be treated successfully if they are found early.

Three-Step Early Detection Program

The American Cancer Society recommends a three-step early detection program:

Beginning at age 40, have regular screening mammograms every year until age 49 and then every year after age 50.
See your doctor for a regular breast examination at least once in every three years from the age of 20 until 40, and then every year after 40.
Practice monthly breast self-examination. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you proper methods.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

Lump or thickening of breast tissue especially one that does not go away or change.
Irritation, pain or tenderness of nipple.
Brown or bloody discharge from nipple
Skin or nipple retraction
Make sure to have any of these signs rechecked by a doctor. It is safer to have all lumps checked by a doctor.

Make sure to have any of these signs rechecked by a doctor. It is safer to have all lumps checked by a doctor.

Prepared by Tan Jui Kok
Radiology Department Manager.