Mastocheck Early Breast Cancer Screening

What is Mastocheck early breast cancer screening?

Mastocheck is a breast cancer screening test designed to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Unlike a breast cancer gene test, a Mastocheck is a blood-based test that analyses proteins within the blood to identify the presence of breast cancer. Mastocheck utilises molecular diagnostics to analyse specific biomarkers in the blood, which allows for the detection of breast cancer even before it can be seen on traditional imaging tests like mammograms.

Mastocheck is particularly beneficial for women of all ages, especially those with dense breast tissue or other risk factors that might make traditional imaging less effective. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Singapore, as reported by the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2020. By identifying potential issues early, Mastocheck enhances the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes. 

How does Mastocheck screening work? 

First, it’s important to understand that Mastocheck is not a DNA test. Rather, it is a proteomics-based early diagnosis technology that utilises proteomic analysis to identify tumour-related proteins (which serve as early indicators of tumour presence). 

Mastocheck is non-invasive with no radiation, and requires only a blood sample. It identifies cancerous changes (disease-specific expression patterns) before they become visible through imaging. This, in turn, greatly optimises diagnostic accuracy, with about 77% accuracy for stage 1-2 breast cancer. In comparison, the conventional tumour marker blood test CA 15-3 has a diagnostic accuracy of 10%.

Mastocheck, when paired with an imaging test like a Mammography, can deliver an effective and comprehensive breast cancer screening approach — providing 10 – 30% higher sensitivity compared to a Mammography alone.

Benefits of Mastocheck 

Mastocheck screening offers several benefits for breast cancer detection, such as: 

• Early detection: A Mastocheck screening test helps identify cancer at its earliest stages, even before it is visible on traditional imaging tests.
• Non-invasive: requires only a small amount of blood sample, which makes it a comfortable and stress-free screening option.
• High accuracy: Mastocheck screening test utilises advanced molecular diagnostics to detect specific cancer-related biomarkers, which ensures accurate results.
• Enhanced detection for dense breasts: particularly effective for Asian women who tend to have denser breast tissues where traditional mammograms may be less accurate. It is also proven to show 10%-30% higher sensitivity compared to Mammography alone.
• Better outcomes: Mastocheck helps detect breast cancer at its earliest stages, which increases the chances of successful outcomes and minimises the need for aggressive treatments.
• Radiation-free: makes it a safer alternative for detecting breast cancer due to its ability to identify cancer biomarkers without the risks associated with radiation exposure.
• Accessibility: available to young women (20-40 years old), pregnant women, and patients with breast implants or dense breasts.

In what cases is a Mastocheck breast cancer screening recommended?

Mastocheck screening is recommended in the following cases:

• High-risk individuals: women with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic predispositions (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations) should consider Mastocheck for early detection.
• Dense breast tissue: women with dense breast tissue may benefit from the advanced detection capabilities of Mastocheck, especially in cases where traditional mammograms are deemed less effective. 
• Previous breast cancer: those who have had breast cancer in the past can use Mastocheck for ongoing monitoring and early detection of any recurrence.
• Abnormal mammogram results: if a mammogram or other imaging test shows inconclusive or suspicious results, Mastocheck can provide additional information to guide further action.
• Routine screening: women who prefer a non-invasive, accurate method for routine breast cancer screening can opt for Mastocheck to complement traditional imaging methods.
• Symptomatic concerns: if you notice any changes in your breast, such as lumps, pain, discharge, or skin changes, Mastocheck can help in early diagnosis and prompt intervention.

At Ardennes Health, we personalise our recommendations based on your risk factors and health profile, which helps us ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective screening options for your breast health.

How many sessions are needed for Mastocheck breast cancer screening?

Mastocheck breast cancer screening typically requires just a single session to collect the necessary blood sample. This single session is usually sufficient for the initial screening. However, depending on your risk factors and health profile, your healthcare provider may recommend regular follow-up screenings. 

For those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer or previous occurrences, more frequent screenings may be advised. Generally, Mastocheck can be part of an annual health check-up to ensure ongoing monitoring and early detection. Our team will work with you to determine the best screening schedule tailored to your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions