NTFGH Joins BreastScreen Singapore as an Assessment Centre
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Singapore, accounting for almost 29% of all female cancers according to the Singapore Cancer Registry. Detecting the disease early significantly improves outcomes, with Stage 1 breast cancer associated with survival rates of over 90%.
To strengthen access to timely breast cancer assessment services in western Singapore, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) officially became a BreastScreen Singapore (BSS) Assessment Centre on 1 July 2026.
Working in partnership with the Health Promotion Board (HPB), NTFGH now provides comprehensive assessment services for women requiring further evaluation after a screening mammogram.
The milestone builds on NTFGH's appointment as a BreastScreen Singapore Reading Centre in February 2025, where the Radiology Department interprets mammograms under the national screening programme. This experience strengthened reporting capabilities and laid the foundation for becoming an Assessment Centre.
Achieving Assessment Centre accreditation required close collaboration across Radiology and Breast Surgery. Clinical, operational and administrative teams worked together to meet the programme's rigorous standards, often taking on additional responsibilities alongside their day-to-day work to ensure the service was ready for patients.
Bringing Comprehensive Care Closer to Home
Women recalled under BreastScreen Singapore can now receive diagnostic imaging, clinical review and biopsy services (where required) in a single coordinated visit, reducing unnecessary appointments, shortening waiting times and providing answers sooner.
As the main acute hospital serving western Singapore, NTFGH brings subsidised breast assessment services closer to home for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 40 to 74.
A Team Effort Behind the Milestone
Colleagues across Radiology, Breast Surgery, Nursing and Operations worked closely together to establish clinical workflows, prepare equipment and coordinate processes to ensure the service was ready from day one.
"What I am most proud of is not just what we built, but how we built it—together. The quiet dedication of every member of the Radiology operations and clinical teams, who went above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to make this service a reality, is something I will always be grateful for.
Early detection saves lives—and that is not just a statistic. Behind every mammogram is a woman, a family, a life. This service truly belongs to all of them."
Dr Nicola Lee
Head of Division & Consultant,
Division of Breast Imaging & Ultrasound, Department of Radiology
Director of Service, Breast Imaging Centre
Close collaboration between the Breast Radiology and Breast Surgery teams also ensured that clinical workflows, communication pathways and patient care processes were seamlessly integrated ahead of launch.
"When a woman receives a recall letter, it can be an anxious time. What we want her to know is that when she comes to NTFGH, she will be cared for by a team that is fully prepared, experienced, and invested in her well-being. Our goal is to give her answers—and reassurance—as quickly as possible."
Dr Oh Han Boon
Head & Senior Consultant, Department of General Surgery
Head of Division & Senior Consultant, Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery
Looking Ahead
The launch marks another step in NTFGH's commitment to preventive healthcare and women's health through outreach programmes, patient education and national initiatives such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Looking ahead, Dr Nicola Lee and Dr Oh Han Boon shared their joint vision:
"This launch is just the beginning. Our aspiration is to grow this service into one that is not only clinically excellent, but deeply embedded in the community—through outreach, education, and a genuine culture of early detection. We want every woman in western Singapore to know that NTFGH is here for her."
This milestone reflects the collective efforts of colleagues across Radiology, Breast Surgery, Nursing, Operations and Administration, whose dedication continues to strengthen preventive care for the western community.
(From left)
[Back row] Dr Nicola Lee; Jerine Liaw, Senior Radiographer; Shirley Soh, Senior Radiographer
[Front row] Er Soh Hoon, Principal Radiographer; Ayidah Hani, Senior Radiographer; Dr Choong Wen Ling, Consultant, Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery; Dr Oh Han Boon; Haryana Saleh, Senior Executive; Ivena Setiawan, Senior Manager