Recommended Health Screenings in Your 40s
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: December 3, 2025
The Critical Tests You Shouldn’t Skip in Your 40s
Entering your 40s marks a major shift in your health profile. Your metabolism slows, chronic conditions begin to surface more easily, and lifestyle-related diseases that may not have shown symptoms earlier can now develop silently.
This decade is often described as the early detection decade, the period where timely screening can prevent small issues from becoming lifelong conditions.
The statistics below highlight how common these risks become and why proactive screening is key to catching problems early in your 40s.
Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol) in 40–49 age group: 27.2%.
High-risk BMI: 27.2%. Health Promotion Board
Abdominal obesity: 46.9%, nearly half of adults in their 40s. Health Promotion Board
Chronic kidney disease (CKD): according to the 2019–2020 data, 7.0% of those aged 40–54 had CKD. Isomer User Content
As people age into 40s, guidelines in Singapore recommend annual comprehensive health screening (including cancer markers) for many adults.
Why these matter for screening in 40s: The 40s represent a critical “turning point”, metabolic, cardiovascular, and organ-function risks increase substantially. Screening in this decade can catch early signs of heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, and certain cancers, enabling much better long-term outcomes.
In Singapore, where chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension are increasingly common, routine health screening in your 40s is not optional, it is essential. Whether you’re busy with career growth, raising a family, or caring for ageing parents, this is the time to prioritise your long-term health.
Here are the most important health screenings you should not skip in your 40s, why they matter, and how they help protect your future health.
Source: Health Promotion Board
Health Screening at Regis Medical
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Comprehensive Blood Tests
Blood tests are the foundation of preventive healthcare. As your body undergoes metabolic changes in your 40s, certain conditions can develop quietly.
Diabetes Screening (Fasting Glucose / HbA1c)
Singapore has one of the highest diabetes rates globally. Many patients discover it late, often after complications arise.
What it checks:
- Your average blood sugar levels
- Early signs of pre-diabetes
- Risk of metabolic syndrome
Why it matters:
Detecting early glucose abnormalities allows you to reverse the trend before diabetes sets in.
Cholesterol tends to creep up in your 40s due to slower metabolism, lower muscle mass, and busy lifestyles.
What it checks:
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Why it matters:
High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two conditions that often remain silent until it’s too late.
Liver Function Test & Kidney Function Tests
Medication use, alcohol intake, diet, and stress can all impact your liver and kidneys.
What it checks:
- Fatty liver
- Liver inflammation
- Early kidney impairment
- Protein leakage in urine (an early warning sign)
Why it matters:
Catching early abnormalities helps prevent long-term organ damage.
Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Screening
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer.” Many Singaporeans only discover hypertension during their 40s.
Recommended tests:
- Resting blood pressure measurement
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Optional: CT calcium score for higher-risk individuals
Why it matters:
Hypertension and heart disease risk rise in this decade. Early detection and management dramatically lower your long-term risk of stroke and heart failure.
Cancer Screening
For Women:
Recommended every 3–5 years depending on the method used.
Checks for:
- Cervical cancer
- HPV-related abnormalities
Mammogram (from age 40 onwards)
Suggested yearly or every 2 years.
Checks for:
- Early breast cancer
- Suspicious cysts or masses
For Men:
Prostate Screening (PSA)
Recommended especially if you have urinary symptoms or a family history.
Checks for:
- Prostate enlargement
- Prostate cancer risk
For Both Men & Women:
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening usually begins at age 45–50, but some guidelines recommend earlier screening depending on risk.
Options include:
- Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Stool immunochemical test (FIT)
- Colonoscopy (if higher risk)
Why it matters:
Colorectal cancer is one of Singapore’s most common cancers, and is highly treatable when found early.
Thyroid Function Test
Thyroid issues become more common in your 40s, especially for women.
What thyroid function test checks:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
Symptoms you may not link to thyroid problems:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or loss
- Mood changes
- Hair thinning
A simple blood test can detect imbalances quickly.
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests help detect common deficiencies in Singapore, including:
Low levels can affect:
- Immunity
- Hormones
- Mood
- Bone health
Vitamin B12 / Folate
Important for:
- Energy
- Mood regulation
- Nerve function
Iron Studies and Ferritin
Especially important for:
- Women with heavy periods
- Vegetarians / vegans
- Individuals with fatigue
Bone & Joint Health Screening
As bone density and joint function begin to decline, early intervention helps prevent long-term problems like osteoporosis.
Recommended tests:
- Calcium and vitamin D levels
- Uric acid (for gout risk)
- Bone density scan (if indicated)
Why it matters:
Your 40s are the best time to prevent osteoporosis and age-related joint issues.
Eye & Vision Screening
Vision starts to change noticeably in your 40s, especially reading vision.
Screen for:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Age-related vision changes
- Diabetic eye disease (if you have diabetes risk)
Eye conditions caught early are far easier to manage.
Other Tests to consider
Urea Breath Test (UBT) – For Detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
The Urea Breath Test is a highly accurate, non-invasive test used to detect H. pylori, a common bacteria that can infect the stomach lining.
H. pylori infection is associated with:
- Chronic gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Indigestion and bloating
- Increased long-term risk of stomach cancer
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent stomach discomfort, reflux, bloating, or indigestion
- Those with a family history of gastric cancer
- Anyone previously treated for H. pylori who needs confirmation of eradication
- Early detection allows doctors to treat the infection before it causes long-term damage.
Gut Microbiome Test - Understanding Your Digestive and Immune Health
A gut microbiome analysis examines the population of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms living in your digestive tract.
Using advanced sequencing techniques, this test measures:
- The diversity of your gut bacteria
- Levels of beneficial vs. harmful microbes
- Markers linked to digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity
Your gut microbiome influences:
- Digestion & nutrient absorption
- Weight regulation & metabolism
- Immune system strength (over 70% of immunity sits in the gut)
- Inflammation levels
- Mood and brain function (gut-brain axis)
- An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) can contribute to:
- Bloating, constipation, IBS, acid reflux
- Low energy or brain fog
- Skin issues (acne, eczema)
- Poor immunity
- Weight fluctuations
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent digestive symptoms
- People seeking personalised diet or lifestyle advice
- Anyone with chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune tendencies
- Those wanting to optimise long-term wellness
IgG Food Intolerance Test – Identifying Delayed Food Sensitivities
Unlike food allergies (immediate reactions), IgG food intolerance involves a delayed immune response, often appearing hours or days after eating certain foods.
The test measures your body’s IgG antibody levels to a wide variety of foods, commonly dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, shellfish, gluten-containing grains, and more.
Food intolerances often cause subtle, chronic symptoms such as:
- Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Eczema or acne
- Joint pains
- Brain fog
- Mood fluctuations
Because delayed reactions are hard to link to specific foods, the IgG test provides objective data to guide an elimination or rotation diet.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with chronic digestive discomfort
- Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, skin issues, or migraines
- People wanting a personalised nutrition plan
- Those who suspect certain foods worsen their symptoms
This test helps reduce inflammation and improve daily wellbeing by identifying problem foods.
Cortisol Level Test – Assessing Stress & Adrenal Function
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It follows a daily rhythm: highest in the morning, lowest at night.
This test measures:
- Total cortisol levels
- Daily cortisol pattern (morning peak, evening decline)
- Potential adrenal fatigue or overactivity
Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to:
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty losing weight
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or mood issues
- High blood pressure
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Weakened immunity
Chronically high cortisol (due to prolonged stress) may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and burnout. Very low cortisol could signal adrenal insufficiency.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with ongoing stress or burnout symptoms
- Those with sleep difficulties, low energy, or frequent infections
- People with stubborn belly fat or slow metabolism
- Anyone wanting a deeper look at stress-related health patterns
A cortisol test provides important information for personalised lifestyle, sleep, and stress-management plans.
How Often Should People in Their 40s Screen?
Your 40s are a critical decade for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Many chronic conditions start developing silently during this stage, so regular screening becomes essential.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
If you are entering or already in your 40s, this is the ideal time to reset, review your health, and build a preventive care routine. A well-designed health screening gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your wellbeing.
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
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