The College of Radiology Mammogram Programme – The 4^th Year (2004)

by Dr Evelyn Ho
 

Background Information

Breast Cancer is the top cancer amongst women and will occur in 1 in 19 women over their lifetime in Malaysia. Amongst the Chinese, it is 1 in 14 over their lifetime, while in Indians, it is 1 in 15 while in Malays, it is 1 in 24 over their lifetime (National Cancer Registry 2002).

In Malaysia, many women are misinformed about the mammogram. Some will not venture forth for the mammogram even if their doctors feel they should have one. Many have not even heard of this investigation. Yet, despite being imperfect, the mammogram still offers the best chance of detecting breast cancer early in appropriately aged women. The programme also helps increase awareness on the availability of this investigation for the breast, especially in those who have detected something amiss or perhaps, may be harbouring a lump.

The mammogram programme forms part of the 3-prong strategy for breast health and early detection of breast cancer. People should be aware of their breasts, have an annual physical examination by the health care provider (in those above 40 years of age) and in high risk groups and symptomatic women – a regular mammogram once a year or two depending on the age group and risk profile.
 

The Mammogram Programme is in its 4^th year of operations!

A grant (RM120,000) was obtained in 2001 from the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund and together with additional funds raised from major corporate donors, the breast cancer awareness education campaign and subsidized mammogram programme was a huge success. Since then, funds raised from donors are channeled to the MMA Foundation Radiology Fund which disburses the subsidies to the various volunteer centres.

The mammogram programme is distinct from promotions offered by various mammogram centres. This programme includes the basic mammogram but where indicated by the results of the mammogram, additional diagnostic mammogram views and adjunct ultrasound of the breasts and counseling of the patient as well as immediate receipt of their mammogram reports are expected of volunteer mammogram centres. All these are provided at just the fraction of the normal price of a mammogram (RM30-50). In 2004, participants paid RM50 for their value added mammogram.

In mammography, quality is of utmost importance to enable an accurate interpretation by trained “readers” (radiologists). In 2004, accreditation was introduced for the volunteer centres to ensure that minimum standards were attained and adhered to.

Participants are vetted (above 40 years and have not had a mammogram in the last 2 years) and need to fulfill specific criteria before being accepted into the programme.

From 2001 to 2004, 3,947 women have benefited from the programme. States in which the programme has been run were Penang, Perak, Selangor, Federal Territory/KL, Malacca, Pahang, Kelantan and Sabah. A total of 23 cancers proven by tissue diagnosis have been recorded amongst these women.
 

Follow up of Mammogram Programme Participants with Breast Cancer

In a recent telephone survey of the women who were diagnosed with cancers (many could not be contacted), two women diagnosed in 2001 remain well after treatment received in 2001. Amongst those detected in 2002, some have defaulted treatment.
 

No one was detected with breast cancer in the 2003 programme while in 2004, there have been two confirmed cancers, both of whom are undergoing treatment.

More detail reports of the various breast cancer awareness and mammogram programmes - 2001, 2002 and 2003 are available at:

www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth/BCAC/2001Reports/index.htm

www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth/BCAC/2002 Reports/index.htm

www.radiologymalaysia.org/breasthealth/BCAC/2003 Reports/index.htm
 

Virtual Office

As always most of the communications and organisation is conducted from a virtual office to reduce the administrative, organisational and consumables expenditure. This allows more of the funds to be channeled into the provision of the subsidies for mammograms. E-mail access is therefore mandatory for all the centres involved in the programme.
 

The 2004 Volunteer Mammogram Providers

Centres who volunteer for this programme must be capable of delivering a high quality value-added mammogram package to all participants and comply with the administrative requirements. Being electronically enabled is compulsory. This year centres in the various target regions were invited to participate as a mammogram provider. 9 centres were accredited. These were International Islamic University Breast Centre - Kuantan, Kinta Medical Centre – Ipoh, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (KL), Pantai Medical Centre – Bangsar, Pantai Cheras Medical Centre, Tung Shin Hospital, Megah Medical Specialists, Sunway Medical Centre and Assunta Hospital.

Congratulations and thank you to the volunteer mammogram providers for this year’s 2004 programme.

 

>>> More facts and figures

“Don’t stop the subsidised mammogram programme!”

“On 25th August 2004,
I had my first mammogram and it showed I had breast cancer. I had not felt anything in my breasts
at all! I would not have thought about a mammogram if not for the College of Radiology’s breast
cancer awareness programmes and specifically the provision of mammograms at subsidised rates. Fortunately my friend
had heard about it and told me to go for one. I feel this is a good programme for creating awareness and also helping women to
access mammograms
by providing a subsidy. This programme should be ongoing!” - Mdm SL Ang, 57 years old and a retired civil servant.