Going for regular, routine health screening is the key to staying on top of your health. Screening is the most reliable way of detecting any underlying chronic conditions you may have — even before they start showing any symptoms or have a negative impact on your health.
To encourage Singaporeans to go for health screening, the government launched the Screen for Life programme. Through this, you can access subsidised health screenings that are recommended for your age and gender. Here’s what you need to know to book your subsidised health screenings.
What is Screen for Life
Screen for Life is a national programme that offers subsidised screening tests for Singaporeans, to encourage more citizens to complete their health screening. Organised by the Health Promotion Board, Screen for Life covers the recommended screening tests for your demographic group.
What Subsidised Health Screening Tests Can I Do Under Screen for Life?
The types of subsidised tests you can access depends on your age, gender, and whether you have any pre-existing health conditions. You can check your eligibility for the different subsidised screening tests by logging in with your SingPass.
The available subsidised health screening tests include:
Chronic Diseases Screening
- Subsidised screening available for:
- All individuals aged 40 and above
- Individuals aged 18 – 39 who have been assessed to have a higher risk of diabetes
- What to expect: There are several tests included in the chronic disease screening.
- Obesity: Your height and weight will be taken to calculate your Body Mass Index, and your waist circumference will also be measured.
- High Blood Pressure: This will be measured with a blood pressure test.
- Diabetes and High Blood Cholesterol: The doctor will draw a sample of your blood to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This is available as both a fasting and non-fasting test; you can confirm with your doctor on which test is more suitable for you.
- Where can I get screened: You can book your subsidised chronic disease screening at any of our DA Clinics.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Subsidised screening available for: All individuals aged 50 and above
- What to expect: You’ll need to collect a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit from the clinic. The FIT kit comes with instructions on how you can collect your stool samples, and how to submit your samples. You’ll be contacted for a follow-up consultation at the clinic, once your results have been processed.
- Where can I get screened: You can book your subsidised colorectal cancer screening at any of our DA Clinics.
Cervical Cancer Screening
- Subsidised screening available for: Women aged 25 years and above
- What to expect: For women between 25 – 29 years old, you’ll be given a Pap test; while for women aged 30 and above, you’ll be given a HPV test. For both tests, cervical cells need to be collected from your cervix.
- Where can I get screened: You can book your subsidised cervical cancer screening at any of our DA Clinics.
Breast Cancer Screening
- Subsidised screening available for:
- Women aged 50 years and above
- Women aged between 40 to 49 who have been recommended to go for a mammogram by their doctors
- What to expect: A mammogram, which is an x-ray examination, is used to detect any abnormalities in your breast tissue. The X-ray typically only takes 15 seconds, although the whole procedure could take around 30 minutes.
- Where can I get screened: The subsidised breast cancer screening is only available at certain polyclinics. You can find the full list of clinics on HealthHub.
How Much Does a Health Screening Cost?
You can expect to pay the following for your recommended screening tests:
- Pioneer Generation (PG): $0
- Merdeka Generation (MG): $2
- CHAS Blue and Orange Cardholders: $2
- Eligible Singaporeans and CHAS Green Cardholders: $5
For citizens who are enrolled in the Healthier SG programme, your recommended screening tests are also fully subsidised at your Healthier SG clinic.
There is a separate subsidised rate for breast cancer screening: $25 for PG cardholders, $37.50 for MG cardholders and $50 for Singapore Citizens.
There’s no over-emphasising how important health screenings are in keeping you healthy and well. The Screen for Life programme offers a basic level of screening that gives you a good idea of the state of your health. For a more comprehensive health screening, you can also check out our health screening packages, which can be carried out both at our clinics as well as in the comfort of your home.
This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere and republished on theAsianparent with permission.