SINGAPORE – Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, but according to the Health Promotion Board, only 40% of older women have received a breast screening in the past two years. The chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. In Singapore, more than 80 per cent of breast cancer cases in Singapore are in women aged 45 and over, but the majority of women in this age category have not received a breast screening in the past two years. While the best chance of early detection of breast cancer is through a mammogram, for many women, the number one reason they do not schedule a mammogram is because of fear and anxiety from the potential result and exam discomfort.

In view of this, Parkway Pantai has introduced the latest GE Healthcare 3-D Mammogram technology in Singapore. Designed with GE’s leading imaging technology advancements, and inspired by empathy with women, the new 3-D Mammogram aims to address the pain and anxiety commonly caused by mammograms by seeking to improve patient comfort during detection. Parkway Pantai’s Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is the first recipient of the new GE 3-D Mammogram technology in ASEAN.

“Mammography is still the best method for early detection of breast cancer and we felt that it was important to address the fears that many women face when having to get a breast screening through mammogram,” said Chintan Desai, Commercial General Manager for GE Healthcare ASEAN. “With this new 3-D Mammogram technology, doctors and patients in Singapore not only benefit from the latest 3-D imaging technology that GE is known for, but also a machine that was designed with patient comfort as a priority. This is an excellent example of GE’s commitment to working with healthcare providers and patients to improve both clinical and patient outcomes.”

This new 3-D Mammogram’s potential in encouraging more Singaporean women to schedule their annual exams and increase the number of preventative breast health screenings is an important step forward in women's healthcare in Singapore.