The Complete Guide to Health Screenings in Singapore (2026)
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: November 28, 2025
Why Health Screenings Matter in 2026
Preventive healthcare is more essential than ever in 2026. In Singapore, lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol continue to rise, affecting millions of Singaporeans. Regular health screenings enable early detection of such conditions, allowing for timely intervention, better health outcomes, and reduced long,term costs of healthcare.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has made preventive care a national priority, particularly with the rollout of Healthier SG. This national initiative aims to shift the healthcare model from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, encouraging Singaporeans to build long term relationships with family doctors and stay ahead of chronic diseases.
A closer look at Singaporean’s health in recent years:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Affects 37% of adults aged 18 to 74 years. Left unmanaged, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.
- High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): 31.9% of Singaporean adults suffer from this silent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes: An estimated 8.5% of adults aged 18 to 74 have diabetes, and the number continues to rise with increasing obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
- Obesity: The obesity rate has increased to 11.6% in adults, with higher prevalence in men.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Affects 13.8% of adults, with prevalence reaching 36% among those aged 70–74.
- Younger adults in their 30s have seen a big increase in chronic conditions, especially for hypertension.
- Overall obesity rose in recent years; it doubled amongst younger adults aged 18–29, from 6.6% to 11.6%.
Rising Cancer Incidences:
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for nearly a quarter (24.6%) of all deaths. Singapore averages 17,500 new cancer cases per year, 48 new diagnoses and 16 cancer-related deaths per day.
Most common cancers:
Men:
- Prostate
- Colon & rectum
- Lung
- Lymphoid neoplasms
- Liver
- Non-melanoma skin
- Kidney
- Stomach
- Myeloid neoplasms
- Pancreas
Women:
- Breast
- Colorectal & rectum
- Lung
- Corpus uteri (uterus)
- Lymphoid neoplasms
- Ovary & fallopian tube
- Non-melanoma skin
- Thyroid
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Cervix uteri
Despite advances in treatment, early detection through screening remains critical to improving survival outcomes.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on the Rise:
Recent data indicates increasing STI incidence:
- Chlamydia: 26.9 per 100,000
- Gonorrhoea: 11.8 per 100,000
- Genital Warts: 15.3 per 100,000
- Syphilis: 11.2 per 100,000
Moreover, HIV remains a serious concern. In 2023, there were 104 new HIV cases, with 96% acquired via sexual transmission. Among these, 68% involved men who have sex with men (MSM).
All these data points highlight the urgent need for regular, comprehensive health screenings. Whether it’s checking your blood sugar or getting screened for cancer, early detection empowers you to take action before symptoms even appear.
Source: MOH, StraitsTimes
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Who Should Get Screened, and When?
Health screenings are not just for the elderly or the unwell. Everyone, regardless of age, should undergo regular health check ups tailored to their age group, gender, specific risks, lifestyle, and family history. Screening isn’t just about detecting disease, it’s about building a proactive relationship with your health.
It’s a common misconception among young and middle, aged adults that they are “too healthy” or ‘too young’ to require medical screening. Many serious health conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even certain cancers, can develop quietly over years, without any noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be in an advanced stage.
For instance, in Singapore:
- 1 in 3 adults with high blood pressure is unaware of their condition.
- Diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s.
- Early-stage cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer are often asymptomatic.
Being young doesn’t mean being immune. Stressful work environments, irregular eating habits, lack of exercise, alcohol use, and smoking are all prevalent among younger adults and can significantly increase risk.
Middle-aged adults may face greater risks as the effects of past lifestyle choices begin to manifest. With age, your metabolism slows down, blood vessels may stiffen, and hormonal shifts can influence various bodily systems. This makes timely screening not just recommended, but essential.
Health screening empowers you to:
- Catch silent health issues before they become serious
- Understand and manage personal risk factors
- Track changes in your health year on year
- Build a long term partnership with a healthcare provider who knows your history
In short: Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Preventive health is about staying one step ahead, regardless of your age.
Screening in Your 20s to 30s
Why: Your 20s and 30s are the best time to establish a personal health baseline. Many long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early insulin resistance can begin quietly at this age without symptoms. Knowing your numbers early helps your doctor spot trends before problems become serious.
Core Recommended Tests:
- Blood Pressure Monitoring - At least once every 1–2 years if normal; more often if elevated. Detects early hypertension linked to heart, kidney, and stroke risk.
- BMI and Waist Circumference - At every routine health check. Assesses obesity and central fat, which increases risk of metabolic diseases.
- Fasting Blood Glucose - Every 2–3 years, more often if you have risk factors. Screens for early insulin resistance and pre-diabetes.
- High Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile) - Every 3–5 years if normal; yearly if abnormal. Detects elevated LDL and triglycerides that raise heart disease risk.
- Urinalysis - Yearly or during routine health checks. Screens for kidney issues, blood or protein in urine, infections, or metabolic changes.
- Vision Test - Every 2 years or more often if you use corrective lenses. Checks for myopia, astigmatism, and digital eye strain issues.
- Liver Function Tests - Especially important for those consuming alcohol, on long-term medication, or overweight. Screens for fatty liver, inflammation, or medication-related liver damage.
- Kidney Function Tests - Especially for important for those on chronic medication or high-protein diets. Detects early kidney impairment.
For Women:
- Pap Smear - Once every 3 years. Detects cervical cell changes that may lead to Cervical cancer.
- HPV Test - Around age 30. Screens for high-risk HPV strains associated with cervical cancer.
- Reproductive Health & Menstrual Assessment - Irregular periods, severe cramps, acne, fertility concerns, PCOS symptoms. Detects hormonal or gynecological issues early.
Optional / Lifestyle-Driven Tests:
- STD / STI Tests - For sexually active individuals or people with new/multiple partners. Detects infections that may be silent but cause long-term complications.
- Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Test - Those with fatigue, hair loss, weak immunity, or restricted diets. Identifies deficiencies affecting energy, mood, and overall health.
- Vitamin D Deficiency Test - Important for people who stay mostly indoors and women. Low vitamin D affects bone health and immunity.
- Mental Health Screening - If you have persistent low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, or stress. Early detection improves long-term outcomes.
Screening in Your 40s to 50s
Why: Risks for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and cancers rise significantly. Early detection in this decade prevents complications and identifies silent disease.
Core Recommended Tests:
- Comprehensive Physical Examination - Reviews overall health, lifestyle, medications, and family risk.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Test Panel - Blood sugar, lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney function, uric acid. Detects metabolic and organ-related disorders.
- Diabetes Test - Every 1–3 years. Shows long-term blood glucose trends and diabetes risk.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening - Start at age 50, earlier if high-risk. FIT test yearly, colonoscopy at longer intervals. Detects colon polyps and early cancers.
- Heart & Cardiac Screening - ECG, treadmill stress test, additional tests as needed. Screens for heart disease and arrhythmias.
- Thyroid Function Test - Detects thyroid disorders that affect metabolism, mood, and weight.
- Liver & Kidney Function Tests - Detects silent organ decline related to age, medications, or chronic disease.
For Women:
- Mammogram - Start at age 40, every 1–2 years. Detects early breast cancer.
- Bone Density Scan (DEXA) - Women with menopause or risk factors. Detects osteoporosis early.
- Continued Cervical Screening - Ongoing protection against cervical cancer.
For Men:
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - Start at age 50 or earlier with family history. Screens for prostate abnormalities.
Optional / Lifestyle-Driven Tests:
- Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry) - Detects glaucoma.
- IgG Food Intolerance Test - Helps identify triggers for bloating, fatigue, or inflammation.
- Vitamin and Mineral Panels - Age, diet, and medication can affect nutrient levels.
- Sleep Assessment - Screens for sleep apnea, linked to fatigue and heart disease.
Screening in Your 60s and Beyond
Why: Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases and functional decline. Screening supports independence, mobility, cognition, and overall well-being.
Core Recommended Tests:
- Annual ECG and Treadmill Stress Test - Those with cardiovascular risk factors. Monitors heart health and detects coronary artery disease.
- Osteoporosis Screening (DEXA) - Bone Mineral Density Test detects osteoporosis and fracture risk.
- Cognitive Function Tests - Screens for memory changes and early dementia.
- Hearing Test (Audiometry) - Detects age-related hearing loss.
- Eye Screening - Checks for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Preserves long-term vision.
- Cancer Screening - Colonoscopy, mammogram (women), continued cervical screening(women) if needed. Detects cancers early.
- Annual Blood Tests - Cholesterol, HbA1c, liver and kidney function, inflammatory markers. Monitors chronic diseases and organ health.
Optional / Individualised Tests:
- Comprehensive Wellness Panels - Hormone profile, vitamin levels, inflammatory markers. Provides a full view of health status.
- Falls & Mobility Assessment - Evaluates balance and strength to prevent falls.
- Functional & Lifestyle Review - Daily activities, sleep, continence, mood, social health. Helps identify areas needing support.
High-Risk Groups (All Ages)
Why: High-risk individuals may need earlier or more frequent screening.
- Family History of Illness - Cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Screening starts earlier and occurs more often.
- Smokers and Ex-Smokers - Lung disease, cancers, cardiovascular disease. Lung screening, heart screening, metabolic tests.
- Heavy Alcohol Users - Liver disease, pancreatitis, nutrient deficiencies. Liver function tests, vitamin levels, ultrasound if needed.
- Obese or Sedentary Individuals - Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, joint issues. Expanded metabolic panel, sleep study, cardiac tests.
- Existing Medical Conditions - PCOS, autoimmune disease, mental health disorders. Requires closer monitoring and additional tests.
- Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) - Higher STI/HIV exposure in some populations. Require more frequent STI/HIV testing, hepatitis screening.
Note: Screening needs vary based on personal history and national guidelines. Consult a GP to tailor your schedule.
Types of Health Screenings Available in Singapore
Health screening packages in Singapore can range from basic check-ups to highly detailed executive and specialised assessments. The type of screening you need depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, personal medical history, and family risk factors. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the various health screening options available.
Basic Health Screening (Entry,Level Package)
Ideal for young adults below age of 40 or those without known risk factors looking to establish a baseline.
Usually includes:
- Height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference
- Blood pressure measurement
- Fasting blood glucose (for diabetes risk)
- Lipid profile (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides)
- Urinalysis (for protein, glucose, blood, ketones, infections)
- Basic liver and kidney function tests (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine)
- Full blood count (hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets)
Executive Health Screening (Comprehensive Check)
Recommended for individuals over 40 or those with risk factors. Covers a broader spectrum of organ functions and includes imaging.
Includes all Basic Tests plus:
- Resting ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Chest X,ray (lung health, heart size)
- Treadmill stress test (for exercise tolerance and ischemic changes)
- Ultrasound abdomen (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas)
- Thyroid function test (TSH, free T4)
- Uric acid test (for gout)
- Bone mineral density (DEXA) scan (for osteoporosis risk)
- Eye check (visual acuity, glaucoma screening)
- Stool occult blood test (colon cancer risk)
- Audiometry (hearing test)
- Spirometry (lung function test, if indicated)
Specialised Screenings
For individuals with specific health concerns, symptoms, or family history.
Cancer Screenings:
- Mammogram (breast cancer)
- Pap smear and/or HPV test (cervical cancer)
- FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) or colonoscopy (colorectal cancer)
- PSA (Prostate,Specific Antigen) test (prostate cancer)
- Low,dose CT scan (lung cancer for heavy smokers)
- Ultrasound pelvis (ovarian or uterine abnormalities)
- LucenceINSIGHT Multi-cancer early detection test
Cardiac & Vascular Health:
- Echocardiogram (heart structure and function)
- CT Calcium Score (coronary artery disease)
- Carotid Doppler (stroke risk assessment)
- Ankle,brachial index (peripheral artery disease)
Bone & Joint Health:
- Bone mineral density test (DEXA)
- Rheumatoid factor and ANA (for autoimmune joint diseases)
Diabetes and Endocrine Health:
- HbA1c (long,term glucose control)
- Insulin and C,peptide levels (insulin resistance)
- Cortisol and ACTH (adrenal health)
- Testosterone level test, estrogen, and other sex hormones (for fertility or libido issues)
Infectious Diseases & STDs:
- HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1 & 2)
- HPV DNA testing (women)
Allergy and Immunology:
- IgE levels (for general allergies)
- Specific food or environmental allergen panels
- Celiac disease markers (for gluten sensitivity)
Nutritional & Metabolic:
- Vitamin D, B12, folate, iron studies, calcium
- Homocysteine (cardiovascular risk)
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- Heavy metal testing (lead, mercury, arsenic , for occupational exposure)
Neurological & Cognitive:
- Cognitive function test (baseline for dementia risk)
- Nerve conduction studies (if symptoms suggest neuropathy)
Gastrointestinal:
- Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test or stool antigen test (for ulcers or gastritis)
- Liver fibrosis scoring (FibroScan)
Customised Packages
Many GP and private clinics in Singapore now offer fully customisable screening packages tailored to:
- Age and gender
- Pre,existing health conditions
- Family medical history
- Specific goals (e.g. fertility, fatigue investigation, travel, work permit renewals)
Patients can build a screening plan in consultation with their GP to include only what’s medically relevant,making it more cost,effective and focused.
Some clinics also offer women’s health packages, men’s vitality screening, sports fitness panels, and corporate health screening programmes.
MOH Recommended Screenings (Subsidised Options)
Through the Screen for Life programme, Singaporeans and PRs can access subsidised health screening packages at participating CHAS clinics.
Subsidised Screenings Include:
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Colorectal cancer screening (FIT test)
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV test)
How It Works:
- Eligible individuals receive invitation letters
- Book appointment at any CHAS GP clinic
- Pay as little as $0 to $5 depending on your CHAS card
Our clinic is Screen for Life accredited, and we can guide you through the process.
How to Choose the Right Health Screening Package
Choosing the right health screening package can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The ideal package is one that matches your age, sex, personal risk factors, lifestyle habits, and health concerns,without unnecessary tests.
Here’s how to make an informed choice:
Age and Gender:
- Young Adults (20s,30s): A basic screening to establish a health baseline is typically sufficient, unless specific symptoms or risk factors are present.
- Middle Age (40s,50s): Transition to more comprehensive screening. This is the period when chronic diseases often emerge.
- Seniors Screening (60+): Focus on cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive health. Ensure regular cancer screening.
Gender,Specific Considerations:
- Women Screening Packages: Include cervical cancer screening (Pap smear/HPV), breast cancer (mammogram), reproductive hormone panels, and osteoporosis risk assessment.
- Men Screening Packages: Include prostate screening (PSA), testosterone levels (if symptomatic), and colorectal cancer screening from age 50.
Lifestyle
Your daily habits significantly influence your health risks. Tailor your screening accordingly:
- Active Individuals: May benefit from cardiovascular (ECG, treadmill test), musculoskeletal (DEXA scan), and nutrition panels (vitamin D, calcium).
- Smokers/Ex,Smokers: Include lung screening (chest X,ray, low,dose CT), liver function tests, and cardiovascular risk checks.
- Heavy Drinkers: Emphasize liver enzymes, ultrasound liver, vitamins, and iron studies.
- Desk,bound/Sedentary Workers: Consider lipid panel, blood sugar, body composition, and metabolic assessments.
Medical and Family History
- Family history of cancer: Add mammogram, colonoscopy, PSA, or ultrasound depending on the specific cancer type.
- Family history of heart disease: ECG, echocardiogram, lipid profile, HbA1c, and inflammatory markers.
- Personal history of PCOS, thyroid disease, or autoimmune issues: Hormonal panels, thyroid function tests, ANA, and related tests.
The more specific your history, the more targeted your screening should be. A GP can help you filter out what’s necessary from what’s not.
Budget
While health is priceless, costs do matter. Knowing what’s usually included in a package helps ensure value.
If you’re unsure where to start, our doctors can provide a brief consultation to recommend the most appropriate package.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Health Screening
Understanding what the health screening process entails can help ease anxiety and ensure accuracy in test results.
Before Your Screening
- Fasting: Required for at least 8,10 hours before blood glucose and cholesterol tests. Only plain water is allowed.
- Medication: Check with your doctor whether to continue your regular medication during the fast.
- Avoid: Alcohol and fatty meals for 24 hours before. These can distort liver enzymes and lipid results.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose,fitting clothes. You may need to change into a gown for imaging.
- Bring: Your NRIC, past reports, medication list, and any referral letters.
During the Screening
- Duration: Most packages take 30 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity.
- Procedures May Include:
- Blood draw and urine collection
- Physical examination (heart, lungs, abdomen, reflexes)
- Chest X,ray and/or ultrasound
- ECG or treadmill stress test
- Eye and hearing checks
- For female, specific tests, like Pap smears or breast exams, you may be examined by a female Doctor if requested.
After the Screening
- Results: Typically available within 3 to 7 working days.
- Review: You will receive a report summary along with a consultation to explain the findings.
- Next Steps:
- If normal: Maintain healthy habits and screen again as advised.
- If abnormal: Further investigations or management may be recommended.
At our clinic, we help you interpret your results clearly, and if needed, provide referrals to specialists or create a follow,up care plan.
Where to Get Health Screenings in Singapore
You have several options:
Polyclinics
- Government,run, low,cost
- Long waiting times, limited screening scope
Hospitals
- Extensive packages, advanced equipment
- Higher price point
GP Clinics/Screening centres
- Convenient locations
- Personalised attention
- Continuity of care with your regular family doctor
Regis Medical GP clinic offers a wide variety of health screening options with short waiting times and follow,up support.
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