By: Geraldus Sigap
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in Indonesia. However, with early detection through screening, the chances of recovery and survival increase significantly. Unfortunately, many women are still unaware of the importance of regular check-ups, especially if they don’t experience any symptoms.
Why Is Breast Cancer Screening Important?
Breast cancer screening aims to detect abnormalities or tissue changes in the breast at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for quicker, less aggressive treatment and has a higher success rate.
- Key benefits of screening:
- Detects cancer at an early stage
- Improves survival rates
- Reduces the need for aggressive treatments (like chemotherapy)
- Decreases breast cancer-related mortality
One recommended method for early detection is SADANIS (Clinical Breast Examination by Healthcare Professionals). SADANIS is performed by a doctor or trained medical personnel to detect lumps or suspicious changes in the breast. This examination can identify early signs of cancer that might be missed during self-examination (SADARI).
Who Should Get Screened and When?
Screening should be done regularly by all women, especially those with the following risk factors:
- Over the age of 40
- Family history of breast cancer
- History of breast tissue changes (lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes)
- Long-term hormonal therapy
General recommendations:
- Ages 20–39: Clinical breast exam every 3 years
- Age 40 and above: Mammogram every 1–2 years, depending on risk
For women over the age of 40, it is recommended to undergo SADANIS once a year, ideally on their birthday as an easy reminder. This simple step can help detect cancer at an earlier stage, when the chances of recovery are still very high.
Methods of Breast Cancer Screening
Several screening methods are commonly performed at hospitals:
- Clinical Breast Exam (SADANIS): Done by a healthcare professional
- Breast Ultrasound: Suitable for younger women with dense breast tissue
- Mammography: The gold standard for women over 40
- Breast MRI: For high-risk patients or unclear screening results
- These procedures are non-invasive, quick, and painless.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Appear
Many breast cancer patients only discover their condition after a lump or pain appears. In fact, cancer can grow silently for months or even years. That’s why regular check-ups are essential, even if you feel healthy.
At RS Abdi Waluyo, you can undergo all stages of breast screening in one place, from consultations with surgical oncology and radiology specialists to advanced imaging like ultrasound, digital mammography, and breast MRI. We also offer follow-up services if abnormalities are found, including ultrasound/mammography-guided biopsy and management by a multidisciplinary team for the best possible outcome. Contact our Surgical Oncology and Radiology team at RS Abdi Waluyo at 021-3144989 or book an online appointment today.
FAQ
- When should I start breast cancer screening?
Screening can begin at age 20 with monthly breast self-exams (SADARI). Clinical exams (SADANIS) by healthcare professionals are recommended every 3 years for ages 20–39, and annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.
- What are the available breast cancer screening methods?
Common methods include:
- Physical examination by a doctor
- Breast ultrasound
- Mammography
- Breast MRI (for high-risk cases)
- Is mammography safe and painful?
Mammography is safe, quick, and low-risk. It may cause slight discomfort due to breast compression, but the benefits of early detection far outweigh this temporary discomfort.
- I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, do I still need screening?
Yes. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history. Therefore, regular screening is still essential.
Referensi:
- Tomlinson-Hansen SE, Budh DP, Sapra A. Breast Cancer Screening in the Average-Risk Patient. [Updated 2024 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556050/
- Ren, W., Chen, M., Qiao, Y., & Zhao, F. (2022). Global guidelines for breast cancer screening: A systematic review. Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland), 64, 85–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2022.04.003
