What is Cancer Screening in Singapore?
3 Minutes ReadLast updated: Jun 13, 2024
What is Cancer Screening?
Cancer screening can be used to check for cancer in people who do
not have any symptoms of the disease. These screenings can lead
to early detection of cancer, which is key to better treatment
outcomes.
There are different types of cancer screenings, and the specific tests that
are recommended for an individual may vary based on their age,
gender, family history and other risk factors.
Recommended Cancer Screening in Singapore
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore, these are a few recommended health screening guidelines:
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammogram is recommended for women aged 40 and above |
Cervical Cancer Screening
Pap Smear or HPV test for women aged 25 and above |
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colonoscopy, Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Sigmoidoscopy for individuals aged 50 above, or in the high risk group |
Liver
Cancer Screening
Serum Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) or Liver Ultrasound Scan |
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test or Digital Rectal Exam for men aged 55 to 69 years |
However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and if in doubt, you should always consult a doctor. Your doctor may wish to understand more about your personal history and symptoms if any. This allows your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of cancer screenings, and can better assist you in making an informed decision about whether to undergo testing.
How accurate are Cancer Screening tests?
It is important to note that cancer screening tests are not always accurate, and they may produce false positive or false negative results. This means that a test may suggest that you have cancer when you do not, or it may suggest that you do not have cancer when you do. If you have a positive screening test result, your doctor will recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Where can I do Cancer Screening in Singapore?
In Singapore, cancer screening tests are readily available through the public healthcare system as well as through private clinics. ATA Medical provides a variety of health screening packages starting from $76.
Staying healthy and reducing your risk of developing cancer
While cancer screening tests are an important tool in the fight against cancer, it is important to remember there are also other useful ways of reducing your risk against cancer. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight range, eating a well balanced diet, exercise regularly, limiting your alcohol intake, not smoking and protecting yourself from the sun are just a few ways of reducing your risk to cancer.
How do I make an appointment?
Full Body Check Up at ATA Medical
Our one-stop health screening centre has a Chest
X-Ray, Ultrasound, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. We also provide a
variety of comprehensive health screening
packages for different needs and age groups.
Our clinics are located conveniently in Central Singapore at these 2 locations:
- Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
- Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)