According to the Guidelines For Health Screening by the Ministry of Health, the recommended health screening in Singapore is at age 50 for various procedures such as colonoscopy, gastroscopy, prostate cancer screenings, and breast cancer screenings. These measures aim to detect serious conditions early, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. However, some studies suggest that starting these screenings at age 45 may offer significant benefits. In this article, we explore the reason behind earlier screenings and provide information on where to access these services in Singapore, including some options in Malaysia.
Recommended Health Screening In Singapore For Men
Recommended Health Screening In Singapore For Women
Why Consider Early Screening At Age 45?
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer has traditionally been associated with older adults above the age of 50. However, recent trends indicate a worrying increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults globally. A study published in the Annals of Oncology identified two significant risk factors—obesity and alcohol consumption—that are strongly correlated with early-onset colorectal cancer. These findings emphasise the importance of lifestyle choices in the prevention of this disease and support the recommendation for earlier screenings.
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Stomach cancer remains a significant health concern in Singapore and Asia. Although the overall incidence of stomach cancer has dropped worldwide over the last four decades according to an article in 2019 from TODAY, the frequency of the cancer appears to be rising in younger people, particularly among females. Medical experts have highlighted the importance of not dismissing suspicious symptoms, regardless of family history and age. This also emphasises the need for earlier detection through gastroscopy or other gastric cancer screenings.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer screenings, typically done through PSA tests, are crucial for early detection. According to an article published in John Hopkins Medicine, certain individuals may need screenings between the ages of 40 and 54 if they fall into specific risk categories. These risk categories include:
- Having at least one first-degree relative (such as father or brother) who has had prostate cancer.
- Having at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer.
- Belonging to the African-American ethnicity, which has a higher risk of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Breast Cancer
Starting breast cancer screening at age 40 instead of age 50 has been shown to save lives, according to a British study published in The Lancet Oncology on Aug 12, 2020. This study involved over 160,000 women aged 39 to 41 in England, Wales, and Scotland. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving annual mammograms until age 49, and the other receiving no mammograms until age 50.
The findings revealed a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality among women who started screening earlier. Specifically, about 25% fewer women died from breast cancer in the first 10 years of the study, with approximately one breast cancer death prevented for every 1,000 women screened.
Consult Our Preferred Doctor On Gastroscopy And Colonoscopy
Dr Benjamin Yip is a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Singapore, and the Medical Director at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre Dr Yip has interest in endoscopy and regularly performs general endoscopies including gastroscopy and colonoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic).
Gastroscopy And Colonoscopy Packages From Health365 Partners
Health Screening Packages From Health365 Partners You May Consider
Singapore
AsiaMedic
AsiaMedic Wellness Assessment Centre is a One-Stop Health Screening Centre located at #08-00 Shaw House, along Orchard Road. The Wellness Assessment Centre is equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic equipment.
Minmed
With a network of more than 20 GP clinics strategically located near MRT stations for easy accessibility, Minmed Group ensures that quality healthcare is within reach for every individual. Minmed’s flagship centre at Orchard, Paragon, sets a new standard in health screening, offering custom-tailored packages and imaging studies in an elegantly designed 3,000 sq ft space.
StarMed
StarMed offers a wide range of health screening services to patients in Singapore and around the world. With its integration of health screening services with specialist medical services, StarMed is able to offer an additional option for health screening whereby patients’ screenings are conducted, and results are reviewed by an Internal Medicine specialist instead of a GP.
Malaysia
Regency Specialist Hospital
Conveniently located in Johor Bahru for Singaporeans, Regency offers a range of screenings and allows the use of Medisave, providing cost savings and access to high-quality care.
Contact Us To Schedule An Appointment For Health Screening
Health365 has partnerships with trusted healthcare providers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Contact us through the button below or browse for more health screening packages on our E-Shop.
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Protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases with regular health screening. Compare and shop for health screenings from Singapore and regional healthcare providers at a single convenient platform - shop.health365.sg
This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
