As we grow older, our body’s risk of developing certain illnesses and diseases becomes higher. That is why we must prioritize our body’s health. Eating mindfully, doing regular exercise, and keeping a healthy lifestyle are great ways to keep the body in top shape, but these practices are not enough to ensure that you are disease-free. Undergoing health screening tests in Singapore is one way to help identify possible symptoms that can cause the body harm. Check out this article to know where to get health screening in Raffles Place and what kinds of tests are available in Singapore.
Health screenings: How do these tests work?
Health screenings are different kinds of tests that are administered to the body to check its health condition. Health screenings also detect signs of any medical illness or disease that may develop in the body. The tests included in health screenings usually focus on the common diseases that occur in the body, such as conditions or diseases that affect the bones, hormones, heart, and kidneys. Tests also cover specific diseases that are prevalent among adults like diabetes and cancer.
Aside from being able to detect and diagnose diseases, health screenings can also serve as a guide for patients to take preventative measures to delay the onset or lessen the risk of getting a disease.
A general health screening involves the following:
- Doctor’s consultation
- Physical examinations
- Lab work
- Radiological and other diagnostic tests
Because there are a variety of tests available, a lot of clinics in Singapore offer health screening packages.
How do I know which health screenings are recommended for me?
Medical experts suggest certain health screenings according to age and gender.
Women in their 20s should get screened for:
- Βlood pressure – This test checks for conditions that affect the heart and should be done every two years.
- Eye health – At least every two years, get your eyes checked for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and vision.
- Ear health – Hearing tests should be done to check the ears’ health every 10 years.
- Pelvic exam – This test checks for cancer symptoms and should be done every three years.
- Skin exam – This test checks for signs of skin cancer and should be done annually.
Men in their 20s should get screened for:
- Blood pressure – This test checks for conditions that affect the heart and should be done every two years.
- Eye health – At least every two years, get your eyes checked for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and vision.
- Ear health – Hearing tests should be done to check the ears’ health every 10 years.
- Skin exam – This test checks for signs of skin cancer and should be done annually.
- Testicular exam – This test checks for signs of testicular cancer and should be done annually.
Women in their 30s should continue all health screenings done in their 20s, plus the following:
- Blood glucose test – This test checks for diabetes symptoms and should be done every five years.
- Cholesterol screening – This test checks for signs of heart disease and should be done every five years.
- Pap smear – This test checks for cervical cancer symptoms and should be done every three years.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test – This test checks the condition of the thyroid, whether they are over or underactive. The screening should be done in an interval of a few years or as advised by your doctor.
Men in their 30s should continue all health screenings done in their 20s, plus the following:
- Blood glucose test – This test checks for diabetes symptoms and should be done every five years.
- Cholesterol screening – This test checks for signs of heart disease and should be done every five years.
Women in their 40s should continue all health screenings done in their 20s and 30s, plus the following:
- Mammogram – This checks for breast cancer symptoms and should be done annually.
- Ovarian screening – This tests for ovarian cancer symptoms. Post-menopausal women are advised to undergo this screening every three years.
Men in their 40s should continue all health screenings done in their 20s and 30s, plus the following:
- Prostate exam – This checks whether a man has a high risk of developing prostate cancer or not.
Women in their 50s should continue all health screenings done regularly since their 20s and after, plus the following:
- Bone Density test – This checks for symptoms of osteoporosis and should be done every three years.
- Colonoscopy – This checks for polyps in the digestive tract or other signs of colorectal cancer. The frequency of this health screening is every 10 years.
- Coronary screening – This checks for signs of heart conditions or diseases and should be done annually.
- Fecal Occult Blood test – This test checks for colon cancer symptoms and should be done yearly.
Men in their 50s should continue all health screenings done regularly since their 20s and after, plus the following:
- Colonoscopy – This checks for polyps in the digestive tract or other signs of colorectal cancer. The frequency of this health screening is every 10 years.
- Fecal Occult Blood test – This test checks for colon cancer symptoms and should be done yearly.
Women and men 60 years and older should continue all health screenings done regularly or as advised by their doctor since their 20s and after, plus the following:
- Herpes Booster – To prevent shingles
- Pneumonia Booster – To protect the body from developing pneumonia
How much do health screening packages cost in Singapore?
The cost of health screening packages differs depending on where you get them and how extensive the tests are. Health screening packages from public hospitals are cheaper, ranging from $50 to $400 than those provided by private healthcare practitioners, which can go anywhere between $100 to $10,000.
Can Medisave be used for health screenings in Singapore?
Undergoing health screenings can be expensive. Choosing the right health screening package as recommended by your doctor will help you save on costs, so it is important to undergo a consultation first.
Medisave may pay for certain screenings such as colonoscopy and mammogram, but general health screening packages are usually not covered. It is also best to check with your medical insurance provider which tests can be covered by your plan before scheduling a health screening appointment.
The Health Advisory Clinic // One Raffles Place, #04-49 // 1 Raffles Place, Singapore, 048616 // Tel: (+65) 6226 6442 // Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442 // Website
Have questions about health screenings in Singapore? Let us know in the comments below! We’re happy to help!
