Everyone above 40 would probably have had at least one one mammogram. And everyone without fail will say that it is painful! Nevetheless it has to be done as only about 8% breast cancers are detectable by manual palpation. The diagnostic accuracy can be improved significantly by adding on an ultrasound scan of the breast. This also helps with picking up breast cysts which would be missed by conventional mammogram alone. In Singapore, polyclinics often will just offer a mammogram. This in my view is inadequate as it will miss a number of breast cancers. Besides, the cost of adding on an ultrasound scan is not much. In those with dense breasts, those who are averse to the pain of mammogram, and those who don't mind the extra cost, an MRI of the breast is an excellent alternative and in fact increases the diagnostic accuracy even more. In time to come perhaps all women will be opting for MRI of their breasts instead of a mammogram.
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