Breast cancer patients can tap Medisave for mammograms

16 December 2011, TODAY

My wife is aged 45 and was diagnosed in February with breast cancer. She had a successful lumpectomy at the National University Hospital. This week, she went for a follow-up check-up, including a mammogram.

She expected to pay for her mammogram with her Medisave account but was told that this was available only to women aged 50 and above. What is the rationale for this?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women here and strikes across age groups, even women in their 20s. Mammograms are potential life savers, not cosmetic procedures. Why bar women from using Medisave just because they have not yet turned 50?

Stanley Wong Chee Kin

Reply from MOH

In "Why is the Medisave option for mammograms only for women aged 50 and above?" (Dec 16, online), Mr Stanley Wong asked why his wife, a breast cancer patient who underwent a successful lumpectomy at the National University Hospital, was unable to pay for her mammogram with Medisave.

Cancer patients may use up to $600 a year from their Medisave accounts for any scans, blood or investigative tests needed to monitor their condition. This includes mammograms for breast cancer patients who have undergone lumpectomy.

We understand that staff at NUH had mistakenly communicated otherwise to Mrs Wong. NUH has since contacted Mr Wong to clarify the situation.

Julie Sim
Deputy Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health