Frequently Asked Questions
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Screen for Life programmeCovers questions about the programme, subsidies, and eligibility.
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Where to go for screeningCovers questions about where to go for subsidised screening under Screen for Life.
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Diabetes Risk AssessmentCovers questions about its purpose and eligibility criteria.
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Chronic Disease Screening Covers questions about chronic disease screening such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
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Breast Cancer ScreeningCovers questions about mammogram for breast cancer.
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Cervical Cancer ScreeningCovers questions about Pap and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer.
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Colorectal Cancer ScreeningCovers questions about the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colorectal cancer.
SCREEN FOR LIFE PROGRAMME
Covers questions about the programme, subsidies, and eligibility.
SCREEN FOR LIFE PROGRAMME
Covers questions about the programme, subsidies, and eligibility.
Screen for Life is the national screening programme by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for regular health screening and follow-ups.
If you are a Singapore Citizen, you can access subsidised screening for cardiovascular disease, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer at $5^ or lower as long as you are eligible (please see Question 5 for eligibility criteria). This fixed fee also covers one follow-up consultation (if needed). These screening services are only available at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) General Practitioner (GP) clinics.
This subsidised fee covers the screening test(s) done within the same visit, and the first post-screening consultation, if assessed that a consultation is required. Individuals who undergo their screening test(s) on a separate visit will be charged a separate fixed fee.
Breast cancer screening is also offered at subsidised rates at selected polyclinics. The rates are $25 for PG cardholders, $37.50 for MG cardholders and $50 for Singapore Citizens. For information on breast cancer screening, please refer to the ‘Screening Journey’ section.
For Permanent Residents, please check with your preferred CHAS GP clinic on the screening test rates offered under the Screen for Life programme. The prevailing doctor’s consultation will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
For Healthier SG (HSG)-enrolled Singapore Citizens, nationally-recommended screening under Screen for Life will be fully subsidised at their enrolled HSG clinic. You can check with your enrolled HSG clinic when your recommended screening is due.
This subsidised fee covers the screening test(s) done within the same visit, and the first post-screening consultation, if assessed that a consultation is required. Individuals who undergo their screening test(s) on a separate visit will be charged a separate fixed fee.
Breast cancer screening is also offered at subsidised rates at selected polyclinics. The rates are $25 for PG cardholders, $37.50 for MG cardholders and $50 for Singapore Citizens. For information on breast cancer screening, please refer to the ‘Screening Journey’ section.
For Permanent Residents, please check with your preferred CHAS GP clinic on the screening test rates offered under the Screen for Life programme. The prevailing doctor’s consultation will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
For Healthier SG (HSG)-enrolled Singapore Citizens, nationally-recommended screening under Screen for Life will be fully subsidised at their enrolled HSG clinic. You can check with your enrolled HSG clinic when your recommended screening is due.
It covers the screening visit, including the cost of the recommended screening tests done within the same visit and the doctor's consultation fee, as well as the first follow-up consultation fee for individuals who have been assessed to require one. Individuals who undergo screening test(s) on a separate visit will be charged a separate fixed fee.
The subsidies aim to encourage more Singapore Citizens to go for the recommended screening and receive the necessary follow-up. Treatment is more effective when conditions are detected and treated early. Going for regular screening and follow-ups with your regular GP helps to develop a meaningful patient-doctor relationship, enabling your GP to better manage your condition(s) in the long term.
Your eligibility depends on:
- Your age and sex as below
- breast cancer screening - for women aged 50 years and above
- cardiovascular risk screening - for men and women aged 40 years and above
- cervical cancer screening - for women aged 25 years and above
- colorectal cancer screening - for men and women aged 50 years and above
- The date of your last screening
- breast cancer screening - every two years since last mammogram
- cardiovascular risk screening - three years since your last screening
- cervical cancer screening - three years since your last Pap test or five years since your last HPV test
- colorectal cancer screening - one year since your last screening with FIT
- Whether you have been diagnosed with chronic diseases or selected cancers (cervical or colorectal)
*Eligible Public Assistance (PA) cardholders will receive the same subsidies as PG cardholders.
If you are between 18 to 39 years old, and are identified to be ‘at higher risk’ of developing diabetes after taking the Diabetes Risk Assessment, you are eligible for the Screen for Life subsidy for cardiovascular risk screening. Please refer to the Diabetes Risk Assessment section.
If you are a woman aged 25 or above, you can enjoy the subsidy for cervical cancer screening (Pap test for those aged 25 to 29 years old, HPV test for those aged 30 years and above).
If you are a woman aged 25 or above, you can enjoy the subsidy for cervical cancer screening (Pap test for those aged 25 to 29 years old, HPV test for those aged 30 years and above).
Where to go for screening
Covers questions about where to go for subsidised screening under Screen for Life.
Where to go for screening
Covers questions about where to go for subsidised screening under Screen for Life.
Subsidised screening is available at all
CHAS GP clinics island wide.
You may use the clinic locator to find out where your nearest CHAS GP clinic is located. We strongly recommend making an appointment with your CHAS GP as you will need to prepare for your screening appointment.
You may use the clinic locator to find out where your nearest CHAS GP clinic is located. We strongly recommend making an appointment with your CHAS GP as you will need to prepare for your screening appointment.
For a smoother process, we strongly recommend calling your preferred clinic in advance to make an appointment for screening, as you may need to prepare for your screening appointment. For example, some tests require you to fast overnight (no food or drinks other than plain water for at least eight to ten hours before the blood test). Non-fasting test options are also available for diabetes and lipid disorders. However, as there are some medical conditions which might affect the accuracy of non-fasting tests, please check with the doctor if fasting tests are more suitable for you instead.
You may use the clinic locator to find out where your nearest CHAS GP clinic is located.
You may use the clinic locator to find out where your nearest CHAS GP clinic is located.
The subsidised rates of $5 or below (for chronic disease, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings) are only available at CHAS GP clinics. If you prefer to attend screening at polyclinics, your visit will be subsidised according to the existing polyclinic subsidies that you are eligible for. Please check with your preferred polyclinic for more information.
Screening subsidies at CHAS GP clinics are applicable only for the health screening tests recommended under Screen for Life programme.
Diabetes Risk Assessment
Covers questions about its purpose and eligibility criteria.
Diabetes Risk Assessment
Covers questions about its purpose and eligibility criteria.
The outcome of the Diabetes Risk Assessment does not predict your lifetime risk of developing diabetes. It only identifies your current risk of developing diabetes at the point of assessment.
If your outcome is:
At Lower Risk
Continue practising a healthy lifestyle. You are also recommended to re-take the Diabetes Risk Assessment every two years, or as often as there are changes in the variables (e.g. age, weight or history of high blood pressure).
At Higher Risk
You are recommended to go for a basic screening to check your status for diabetes. Log in to HealthHub using your Singpass to record your Diabetes Risk Assessment results. You should receive an invitation to go for health screening via email. You may redeem the health screening package at a CHAS GP clinic of your choice, and you are highly encouraged to make an appointment for screening. The e-invitation and subsidised screening rates are only applicable for individuals found to be "at higher risk" after completing the Diabetes Risk Assessment*.
*subject to eligibility
If your outcome is:
At Lower Risk
Continue practising a healthy lifestyle. You are also recommended to re-take the Diabetes Risk Assessment every two years, or as often as there are changes in the variables (e.g. age, weight or history of high blood pressure).At Higher Risk
You are recommended to go for a basic screening to check your status for diabetes. Log in to HealthHub using your Singpass to record your Diabetes Risk Assessment results. You should receive an invitation to go for health screening via email. You may redeem the health screening package at a CHAS GP clinic of your choice, and you are highly encouraged to make an appointment for screening. The e-invitation and subsidised screening rates are only applicable for individuals found to be "at higher risk" after completing the Diabetes Risk Assessment*.*subject to eligibility
The outcome of the Diabetes Risk Assessment does not predict your lifetime risk of developing diabetes. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes will change over time. Results only identify your current risk at the point of assessment. It is recommended that you repeat the assessment once every two years, or earlier if there are changes to any of the risk factors such as:
- your weight
- high blood pressure
- diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy (for females)
- diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in your immediate family
You must be aged 18 or above to complete the Diabetes Risk Assessment. If you are worried about your/your child's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, please consult your doctor.
The Diabetes Risk Assessment is developed for individuals between 18 to 39 years old. It is not meant to assess the risk of diabetes among individuals beyond the age range. Individuals aged 40 and above are at higher risk of developing diabetes, as the risk increases with age. It is recommended that you go for cardiovascular risk screening (including screening for diabetes) once every three years once you reach the age of 40. Hence, it is not necessary for you to do the Diabetes Risk Assessment.
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My friend was able to do the Diabetes Risk Assessment in the past. Why is she unable to do it now?
My friend was able to do the Diabetes Risk Assessment in the past. Why is she unable to do it now?
They were able to do the Diabetes Risk Assessment because it was previously not restricted to those aged between 18 to 39 years old. This change was made based on feedback HPB has received since launching the Diabetes Risk Assessment, as well as changes to the messages associated with the Diabetes Risk Assessment, to encourage those aged 40 and older to go directly for screening. The risk of diabetes increases with age and in Singapore, individuals are encouraged to go for health screening once they reach the age of 40.
Chronic Disease Screening
Covers questions about chronic disease screening such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Chronic Disease Screening
Covers questions about chronic disease screening such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol may be “silent” in the early stages – you may have the condition but have no symptoms and still feel completely well.
Regular screening can help you detect these conditions early, reducing the chances of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. This allows for earlier and therefore more effective treatment and management. Screening can also give you peace of mind if you get a normal result and know that you do not have the disease.
Regular screening can help you detect these conditions early, reducing the chances of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. This allows for earlier and therefore more effective treatment and management. Screening can also give you peace of mind if you get a normal result and know that you do not have the disease.
Under Screen for Life, screening for chronic diseases include
diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and obesity.
To screen for diabetes and high blood cholesterol, a fasting venous blood test (where blood is drawn from the arm vein) will be used to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. There is also an alternative non-fasting blood test available which is more convenient for health screening. Ask your doctor about the non-fasting blood test to find out if the test is suitable for you.
To screen for high blood pressure, a blood pressure test is used to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. As part of the measuring process, the blood pressure cuff will be wrapped around your arm.
To screen for obesity, height and weight (to calculate the Body Mass Index, BMI), and waist circumference will be measured.
To screen for diabetes and high blood cholesterol, a fasting venous blood test (where blood is drawn from the arm vein) will be used to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. There is also an alternative non-fasting blood test available which is more convenient for health screening. Ask your doctor about the non-fasting blood test to find out if the test is suitable for you.
To screen for high blood pressure, a blood pressure test is used to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. As part of the measuring process, the blood pressure cuff will be wrapped around your arm.
To screen for obesity, height and weight (to calculate the Body Mass Index, BMI), and waist circumference will be measured.
Breast Cancer Screening
Covers questions about mammogram for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening
Covers questions about mammogram for breast cancer.
No. Currently there is no evidence that regular mammogram of women under the age of 40 can detect early breast cancer. This is because the breast tissue in pre-menopausal women is denser, making mammograms very difficult to read.
However, if you notice any unusual breast lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. If you think you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, you should also seek advice from your doctor.
However, if you notice any unusual breast lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. If you think you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, you should also seek advice from your doctor.
Women above the age of 50 usually have breast tissue that is less dense, making abnormal tissue easier to detect through a mammogram. If no abnormalities are detected, the chances of a cancer developing in between screens (two years) will be low (though still possible).
For women between the ages of 40 to 49, the breast tissue is denser and a mammogram may not be able to detect abnormal tissue as well. Therefore, women in this age range are recommended to screen more frequently, so any changes in the breast tissue in between screens (one year) can be better detected.
You should go for a mammogram once a year if you are aged 40 to 49 years old and once every two years if you are aged 50 years or above. As such, you should wait till you are due before going for your re-screen.
For women between the ages of 40 to 49, the breast tissue is denser and a mammogram may not be able to detect abnormal tissue as well. Therefore, women in this age range are recommended to screen more frequently, so any changes in the breast tissue in between screens (one year) can be better detected.
You should go for a mammogram once a year if you are aged 40 to 49 years old and once every two years if you are aged 50 years or above. As such, you should wait till you are due before going for your re-screen.
Yes, you can. As special X-ray techniques will be used, your screening will be done at designated hospitals. The same screening fees will apply.
Please continue to see your doctor for your breast problems. Once you are no longer required to follow-up with your doctor for the breast problems, you may call the hotline of the screening centre to make an appointment for breast cancer screening.
It is a good practice to do a breast self-examination every month. However, a mammogram is more sensitive and accurate in detecting changes in breast tissue even before they can be felt. Thus, we encourage you to continue with your regular self-examinations, and to go for your mammogram when you are due for it.
If you notice changes in your breasts, you are encouraged to see your doctor immediately instead of going for a screening test.
There is no medical report given after the mammogram. Your results will be posted to you in the form of a letter indicating whether your mammogram is normal or abnormal. Under the programme, you will not be given any X-ray images at the end of the screening tests.
However, the images are stored in a secured system that is accessible by the parties involved in the programme who can refer to them for your next screening test. If you wish to keep a copy of the images, you may request for it at a fee from the screening centre where you did your mammogram.
However, the images are stored in a secured system that is accessible by the parties involved in the programme who can refer to them for your next screening test. If you wish to keep a copy of the images, you may request for it at a fee from the screening centre where you did your mammogram.
No. A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast. Like all X-rays, it may be harmful to the foetus, so it is not advisable to have a mammogram done during pregnancy.
It is advisable that you schedule your appointment at least one week after your menstrual period, when your breast is less tender and sensitive.
You need to wait at least six months after you stop breastfeeding before you can do your mammogram. This is because your breasts will be compressed during mammogram and the milk ducts in your breasts can lead to inaccurate results.
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For FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccination and Breast Cancer Screening, please click here.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Covers questions about Pap and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Covers questions about Pap and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer.
There are usually no signs and symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer.
All women who have ever had sexual activity before are at risk. The risk increases if you:
- have a condition that leaves you with a weak immune system (e.g. lupus)
- are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive
Cervical cancer is a slow-progressing condition. It usually takes up to 15 years to develop cervical cancer. Hence, regular screening is important because it can be cured when detected early.
Having a high-risk HPV strain just puts you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This does not mean that you will develop cervical cancer. In some cases, your body will clear these high-risk HPV strains on its own but sometimes it does not.
When your body is unable to clear the high-risk HPV strains, a persistent infection will occur and that can lead to cervical cancer. Hence, it is important to follow-up with your gynaecologist so that he/she will be able to monitor your situation closely.
When your body is unable to clear the high-risk HPV strains, a persistent infection will occur and that can lead to cervical cancer. Hence, it is important to follow-up with your gynaecologist so that he/she will be able to monitor your situation closely.
Yes. All women who have ever had sex sometime in their lives are at risk of cervical cancer.
Yes. This is because the HPV vaccines can only give you a protection against 70% to 90% of the common cancer-causing HPV strains (dependent on the type of HPV vaccine).
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Covers questions about the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Covers questions about the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer develops slowly over several years and you can prevent the risk of cancer development through regular screening.
There are usually no signs and symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer.
FIT detects the presence of small amounts of blood (that cannot be seen with the naked eye) in the stools. If the test shows a positive result (abnormal), it means that the amount of blood present in your stool is higher than normal. However, it does not mean that you have cancer. Further testing is necessary to confirm if you have colorectal cancer. This will be done during the follow-up appointment.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSIDISED SCREENING?
Find out which screening test(s) and subsidies
you are eligible for by logging in with your Singpass.
Your eligibility depends on your age, sex,
pre-existing conditions and your last screening date.
CONTACT US
If you would like to reach out to us directly, we are also available through email.
CONTRIBUTED BY
Health Promotion Board
