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Health screenings are an important aspect of preventive healthcare, helping individuals detect potential issues early, manage existing conditions effectively, and maintain overall well-being. Health screenings are more than just routine check-ups—they are proactive steps toward a longer and healthier life.

In Singapore, common health issues include diabetes [1], cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer, several of which can be managed with early intervention. This guide will help you understand the types of health screenings that are relevant to you based on your age, gender, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Benefits of Regular Health Screenings

Regular screenings are vital for early detection and prevention. Beyond addressing physical health, these check-ups also provide peace of mind and the opportunity to make lifestyle changes and take better care of your health.

Here are some major benefits of regular health screenings: 

• Early detection: Identifies diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer before symptoms appear. This can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
• Prevention of chronic health conditions: Health screenings enable timely intervention to prevent diseases from progressing into chronic conditions. It also helps people to understand their health and make lifestyle adjustments accordingly. 
• Management of current conditions: Health screenings help individuals monitor their conditions and treatment so that they know they are taking the right steps, such as adjusting medications. 
• Peace of mind and awareness: Regular health screenings help individuals alleviate their anxiety about perceived health problems and encourage proactive health management. 

Health screenings, although general, are best tailored to each individual specifically depending on factors such as:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Additional risk factors and concerns

This is why it’s important to book a consultation to evaluate each individual and their risk factors before recommending an appropriate health screening. 

Health Screenings for Adults (General Recommendations)

Health screenings help adults stay ahead of health issues and challenges. Routine screenings give us valuable insights into our health and well-being, allowing us to detect and manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes early. These tests offer a practical way to safeguard our health and make informed decisions.

Here are the general health screening recommendations for adults and their purposes:

• Blood Test: A general blood test assesses various components of the blood, such as red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and platelets. 
• Pressure Check: High blood pressure, or hypertension [2], is often called a “silent killer” because it usually presents no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular blood pressure checks ensure early detection, allowing timely lifestyle changes or treatment to manage the condition and reduce long-term health risks.
• Cholesterol Test: A cholesterol test [3], or lipid profile, measures levels of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. High LDL or low HDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular monitoring helps to assess current cardiovascular health and encourages lifestyle and dietary changes. 
• Blood Sugar Level Test: A blood sugar test evaluates glucose levels in the blood to detect prediabetes or diabetes. Early detection is critical for managing blood sugar and preventing complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss. Tests may include fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, or oral glucose tolerance tests.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) Measurement: The BMI test [4]  measures body fat based on height and weight, indicating whether a person falls within a healthy weight range. It helps identify risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. 
• Hepatitis Profile: This test screens for hepatitis viruses (A, B, and C), which can cause liver inflammation and damage.
• Renal Profile: The renal profile evaluates kidney function by measuring levels of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium in the blood. It also can detect kidney disease or dysfunction at an early stage.
• Thyroid Profile: This test measures thyroid hormone levels, including TSH, T3, and T4, to assess thyroid gland function and identify conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 
• Bone and joint screenings: Bone and joint screenings involve tests like bone density scans (DEXA) and assessments for inflammatory markers to evaluate bone strength and detect conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis. 
• Tumor marker tests: These tests measure specific substances in the blood, urine, or tissues that may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer.

Preventive Cancer Screenings: 

• Cervical Cancer: The Pap smear detects precancerous changes or abnormalities in the cervix, allowing early treatment before cancer develops. It is generally recommended for females aged 25-69.
• Breast Cancer: Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to detect breast cancer at an early stage before symptoms develop. Women aged 40 and older are recommended to undergo screenings every one to two years, depending on their risk factors and family history.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer screening involves tests like the faecal occult blood test (detecting hidden blood in stool) or colonoscopy (visual examination of the colon). These screenings identify early cancer or precancerous polyps.
• Prostate Cancer: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood, which may indicate prostate cancer or other conditions like an enlarged prostate. 

Other Essential Tests

• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: These blood tests evaluate the function of the liver and kidneys. They detect conditions like liver disease, hepatitis, or kidney damage, often before symptoms develop.
• Vision and Hearing Tests: Vision tests assess eye health and detect issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, or refractive errors. Hearing tests identify hearing loss, which is common with age or due to prolonged exposure to loud environments. 

Health Screenings by Age

Health screenings are aligned with the specific needs of different age groups. In your 20s and 30s, baseline tests like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar assessments are typically recommended along with mental health screenings. In your 40s, more comprehensive screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies become crucial for detecting early signs of cancer. Women may also benefit from bone health assessments as hormonal changes begin to impact bone density. 

In your 50s and beyond, screenings intensify to include heart health evaluations like stress tests and ECGs, as well as checks for dementia risk, vision, and hearing impairments. Tailoring screenings to your age ensures timely detection and intervention and contributes to more positive health outcomes.

Here are the recommended health screenings based on age groups: 

Age Group	Recommended Health Screenings
30s – 40s	Cancer screenings (mammogram, Pap smear, colonoscopy)Bone health testsHormonal health checksSexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) checks
40s – 50s	Cancer screenings (mammogram, Pap smear, colonoscopy)Bone health testsHormonal health checks
50s and beyond	Frequent cancer screeningsHeart health tests (stress test, ECG)Dementia riskVision and hearing checks

Health Screenings Based on Gender

Health screenings often vary by gender due to differences in anatomy, hormonal influences, and disease risks. While general tests such as blood tests and cholesterol checks are the same recommendations for both genders, other tests differ. For women, screenings often include reproductive and hormonal health, including Pap smears [5] for cervical cancer, mammograms for breast cancer, and bone density tests to monitor osteoporosis risk, particularly after menopause. 

For men, health screenings may also include prostate cancer screenings (PSA tests) [6]  and guidance on testicular self-examinations to help detect specific cancers early. Gender-specific screenings provide a comprehensive approach to maintaining health and addressing risks effectively.

Here are some recommended health screenings based on gender: 

Gender	Recommended Health Screenings
Women	Cervical Cancer Screening (Regular Pap smears)Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms starting at age 40)Bone density testsPregnancy-related screeningsHormonal checks
Men	Prostate Cancer Screening (Men aged 50 and above).Cardiovascular Health CheckHormonal checks

Health Screenings Based on Lifestyle, Risk Factors, and Specific Conditions 

Your lifestyle and personal risk factors also influence the type of health screenings you need. Smokers, for example, should prioritise lung cancer screenings and respiratory function tests to detect potential damage early. If you have a family history of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, genetic testing and enhanced cancer screenings can provide important insights. Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, making ECGs, stress tests, and blood sugar screenings essential. 

If you already have a specific condition, you may also require additional health screenings. Here are some health screenings based on lifestyle and risk factors that you should consider: 

Lifestyle/Risk Factors	Recommended Health Screenings
Smokers	Lung cancer screeningRespiratory function testsCardiovascular health checkGeneral health screening
Family history of chronic diseases	Cancer screeningsCardiovascular health checkDiabetes screeningBone health assessmentGeneral health screening Kidney function test
Sedentary	Cardiovascular health checkGeneral health screeningMusculoskeletal assessmentsMental health screeningLiver and kidney function test
Specific condition	Chronic Illnesses: Lipid profile test Kidney Function tests Blood pressureDiabetes testLiver function testThyroid profile Heart Disease and Stroke Risk: ECG testEchocardiogramCholesterol levelsCT AngiogramLipoprotein(a)Homocysteine

How to Choose a Health Screening Package in Singapore

Selecting the right health screening package in Singapore depends on your individual needs, budget, and preferences.

Private screening packages are also available for those seeking more comprehensive or personalised care. When choosing a private package, consider factors like the clinic’s reputation, the details of the tests included, and overall value for money. If you aren’t sure which health screening you should undergo, book a consultation with a doctor. 

At Ardennes Health, we offer comprehensive health screening packages tailored to your needs and follow-up consultations to address any findings. Whether it’s preventive care or managing an existing condition, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Book your health screening with us at Ardennes Health or check out our packages here. 

When to Seek Specialist Care

If your health screening results indicate abnormal findings, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Abnormal results may signal underlying conditions that require further investigation. Based on the findings, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation and treatment. For example, if your screening suggests potential cancer, you may be referred to an oncologist, while abnormal heart test results may lead to a consultation with a cardiologist. Early intervention is crucial for managing health conditions effectively and improving long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Regular health screenings are essential for everyone to stay aware of long-term health and proactive management of potential issues. Take charge of your health today by scheduling screenings tailored to your needs. If you’re still unsure which screening you should book, consult with our doctors to identify the most suitable options for you.

Frequently Asked Questions 

References

1. Channel NewsAsia. (2023, November 17). War against diabetes: Doctors seeing rise in patients below 40 due to lifestyle habits, early screening. Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/war-against-diabetes-singapore-doctors-seeing-rise-young-patients-below-40-lifestyle-habits-stress-early-screening-treatment-3921976
2. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). High blood pressure (hypertension) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Cholesterol: Understanding levels & numbers. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean
4. Singapore Heart Foundation. (n.d.). BMI calculator. Singapore Heart Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.myheart.org.sg/tools-resources/bmi-calculator/
5. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Pap smear: Overview. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841
6. Singapore Cancer Society. (n.d.). Prostate cancer. Singapore Cancer Society. Retrieved from https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/learn-about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer.html
7. Ministry of Health Singapore. (2024, December 2). Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Ministry of Health. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/chas
8. Ministry of Health Singapore. (2024, December 2). Enhanced Screen for Life. Ministry of Health. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/enhanced-screen-for-life