[:en]Health screening helps to detect diseases or medical conditions in people even if they feel well/do not have any symptoms. It involves a consultation with a medical professional followed by physical examinations, laboratory, radiology, and other tests.
Health screening is important as early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes, and lowers the risk of serious complications.
Table 1: Recommended general health screening tests (Source image from HealthHub.sg)
Individuals aged 18 years and above
Screening for obesity using the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference is recommended once a year. Blood pressure measurement once every two years or more frequently is advised especially if you have risk factors such as obesity, family history etc. You can also take the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) which is a self-administered tool that identifies whether you may be at risk of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
Women aged 25 years and above
In particular, women who have had sexual intercourse before are advised to go for cervical cancer screening. A pap smear test (for 25 to 29 years old) is recommended once every three years while a human papillomavirus (HPV) test (for 30 years old and above) is recommended once every five years.
Individuals aged 40 years and above
Besides screening for high blood pressure at least once a year, you should also be screened for other chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol. This can be done through both fasting and non-fasting blood tests once every three years or more frequently as advised by your doctor.
Women aged 40 years and above are also advised to go for breast cancer screening with a mammogram once a year.
Individuals aged 50 years and above
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore and you should start screening at the age of 50. This include a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) once a year or a colonoscopy once every five to ten years. If you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer (such as family history etc) you are strongly advised to go for screening from a younger age and at more frequent intervals.
Women aged 50 to 69 years should also go for breast cancer screening with a mammogram once every 2 years.
Interested to do a health screening in Singapore? Come visit our Healthsprings Medical clinics located at Orchard, Bukit Panjang or Woodleigh to consult with one of our doctors who can better advise you on suitable health screening tests based on your age, concerns and medical history.[:]
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