About Screen for Life
1. What is Screen for Life?
Screen for Life (SFL) is the national screening programme by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) that offers Singaporeans and Permanent Residents health screening recommendations based on age and gender.
SFL aims to drive Singaporeans to go for regular screenings and follow-up. It consolidates HPB's screening programmes, previously known as Integrated Screening Programme, BreastScreen Singapore, CervicalScreen Singapore, Community Functional Screening Programme, and National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme.
You can find out your recommended screenings at Screen for Life.
Enhanced Screening Subsidies
2. What is the enhanced Screen For Life (SFL) subsidy?
Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) have enhanced the Screen for Life (SFL) programme to encourage eligible Singaporeans to go for recommended health screenings and post-screening follow-up. From 1 September 2017, besides Pioneer Generation (PG) and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cardholders, all other Singaporeans can also access subsidised screening and one follow-up consultation (if needed) at a low, fixed fee, as long as they are recommended by HPB to go for screening. This will only be available at CHAS GP clinics.
The fee will be fixed at $5 for eligible Singaporeans and $2 for eligible CHAS (both Blue and Orange) cardholders. Eligible Pioneers will not have to pay.
This fee will cover the screening test(s) done within the same visit, as well as the first post-screening consultation, if assessed that a consultation is required. Screening test(s) done at a separate visit will be charged a separate fixed fee.
For example, an eligible CHAS cardholder will pay $2, and this will cover the costs of the screening visit which could include screening tests for cardiovascular risk and/or colorectal cancer and/or cervical cancer screening, and the consultation fees for one follow-up visit, if required.
Table 1 Enhanced SFL Co-payment
|
Screening Service |
Co-payment |
Screening Visit
|
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) | Eligible PG cardholders: $0 Eligible CHAS cardholders: $2 Other eligible Singapore Citizens: $5 (Package includes screening visit and the first follow-up consultation if required). |
Cardiovascular risk screening:
Body mass Index(BMI), Blood pressure (BP) measurement, fasting blood glucose and fasting lipid profile |
|
Pap Test |
Follow-up visit if required
|
Permanent Residents (PR) who are due for recommended health screenings will be notified by HPB. While PRs are not eligible for enhanced SFL subsidies, they can continue to tap on HPB’s screening test rate(s)* at CHAS GP clinics. The prevailing doctor consultation rates will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
*$10 for cardiovascular risk screening, $12.50 for Pap test, $32 for FIT, excluding GST.
1Public Assistance cardholders will continue to receive free screening and one follow-up at CHAS GPs.
3. What services does the SFL co-payment cover?
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. Screening test(s) done at a separate visit will be charged a separate fixed fee.
4. What do the enhanced screening subsidies at GP clinics aim to achieve?
The enhanced screening subsidies aim to encourage more Singapore Citizens to go for recommended screening and receive the necessary follow-up. Treatment is more effective when conditions are detected and treated early. Going for regular screenings and follow-up with your regular GP also helps to develop a meaningful patient-doctor relationship, so that your GP is better able to manage your condition(s) in the long term.
5. When can I receive the enhanced screening subsidies?
The enhanced screening subsidies will be made available to all eligible Singapore Citizens from 1 September 2017.
6. How do I know if I am eligible for the enhanced screening subsidies?
Your eligibility depends on your age and gender as below:
Cardiovascular risk screening - Men and women aged 40 years and above
Cervical cancer screening – Women 25 years and above
Colorectal cancer screening – Men and women 50 years and above
Your eligibility also depends on when your last screening visit was and whether you had been diagnosed with chronic diseases or selected cancers (breast, cervical and colorectal) before.
All eligible Singaporeans will receive a letter of invitation from HPB informing them of the scheme. HPB has started sending the letters progressively shortly before 1 September 2017. Upon receiving the letter, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment with your preferred CHAS GP. On the appointment date, please present the letter, your NRIC, and CHAS/PG/PA* card, to qualify for the subsidised rate.
*Eligible Public Assistance (PA) card holders will receive the same subsidies as PG cardholders i.e. no need for co-payment.
7. I am below 40 years old, but I would like to be screened. Can I enjoy the enhanced SFL subsidies?
If you are between 18 to 39 years old, and are identified to be 'at higher risk' of being diabetic after taking the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) on HPB's HealthHub platform, you may enjoy the enhanced SFL screening subsidies for cardiovascular risk screening. (Please refer to the DRA section below.)
If you are a woman aged 25 or above, you may enjoy the enhanced SFL screening subsidies for Pap tests.
These will be available from 1 September 2017 onwards.
8. Where can I go for screening?
Screening under SFL will be available at all CHAS GP clinics islandwide from 1 September 2017.
You may wish to log onto www.chas.sg to find out where your nearest CHAS GP clinic is located. We strongly recommend you to make an appointment with your CHAS GP as you need to prepare for your screening appointment.
9. Do I have to make an appointment to get screened?
Eligible Singaporeans will be able to go for SFL screenings with enhanced subsidies from 1 September 2017 onwards. We strongly recommend that you call your preferred clinic in advance from 1 September 2017 onwards to make an appointment for screening. This is because you need to prepare for your screening appointment, for example, some tests require you to fast overnight (no food or drink other than plain water, for at least 8-10 hours before the blood test). Booking an appointment with your GP facilitates a smooth process for your visit.
10. How can I find out more about the Screen for Life programme?
You can find out more about the enhanced SFL screening subsidies on the Screen for Life website at www.screenforlife.sg.
11. What about mammograms?
As mammograms require special equipment that is not available at most GP clinics, women invited to do screening mammograms can proceed to the participating screening centres. Please refer to the Screen for Life website at www.screenforlife.sg for more details.
12. Will I be able to enjoy the subsidised screening rates if I visit my doctor at the polyclinic?
The enhanced subsidised rates are only available at CHAS GPs. If you prefer to attend screenings at polyclinics, your visit will be subsidised according to the existing polyclinic subsidies that you are eligible for.
13. Will screening subsidies at CHAS GP clinics be applicable for other health screening tests that are not recommended by Health Promotion Board (HPB)?
Screening subsidies at CHAS GP clinics are applicable only for the health screening tests recommended under HPB's SFL programme.
Screening for Chronic Diseases
14. How do I prepare myself for a cardiovascular risk screening?
You will need to fast for 8-10 hours before screening (no food and drink other than plain water).
15. Am I eligible for chronic disease screening under SFL if I’m already diagnosed with diabetes/high blood pressure/high blood cholesterol?
If you are already diagnosed with diabetes/high blood pressure/high blood cholesterol, you are not eligible for chronic disease screening under SFL. Screening is only applicable for people who have not previously been diagnosed with these conditions. For those already diagnosed with these chronic conditions, we highly encourage you to continue your regular consultation and routine monitoring of laboratory tests with your regular family doctor.
Screening for Cervical Cancer (Women Only)
16. How do I prepare myself for my Pap test?
Call your CHAS GP to find out if he/she provides Pap test services
Schedule your appointment two weeks after the start of your period
Avoid having sexual intercourse 48 hours before the test
Avoid using spermicides, vaginal creams, lubricant, vaginal medications or tampons 48 hours before the test
Wear a two-piece outfit as you will need to undress from the waist down
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
17. How do I prepare myself for colorectal cancer screening (Faecal Immunochemical Test)?
You do not need to prepare for the FIT stool test. You can collect the FIT kit from your CHAS GP and do the FIT stool test at home. Not only is it convenient, it is simple to do; no prior dietary restrictions are needed. Please send your 2 FIT samples (2-day sampling) using the pre-paid envelopes provided within two weeks from the date of collection of the FIT kits.
Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)
18. What is the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)?
The Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) is an evidence-based, self-administered tool developed based on our local data. It identifies Singaporeans aged 18-39 years who may be at risk of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes at the point of assessment, and encourages them to go for diabetes screening. This simple and quick test is available on HealthHub for the public to use, accessible via letsbeatdiabetes.sg/DRA
As part of the enhanced efforts to prevent and control diabetes, individuals aged 18-39 years who are identified to be ‘at higher risk’ of being diabetic through the DRA are offered cardiovascular risk screening (i.e. Body-Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) measurement, fasting blood glucose and fasting lipid profile), as part of a three-year pilot. If the DRA indicates that you are ‘at higher risk’ of being diabetic, you will receive an electronic screening invitation within 1-2 day(s) after you have completed the DRA.
19. What does the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) consist of?
The DRA is a simple and quick test, which would take the average individual around two minutes to complete online. It consists of eight questions:
Date of birth (Age)
Gender
Body Mass Index (weight and height)
Personal history of high blood pressure
History of type 2 diabetes among parents, siblings or children
Gestational Diabetes mellitus (history of diabetes in any of the individual’s pregnanc(ies/y) [females only]
Physical activity behaviour
Dietary habits
You are required to answer the first 5 questions (and additionally question 6 is for females only) as they contribute to your risk assessed. Questions 7 and 8 are optional and will not be used to compute your current risk. Nonetheless, they refer to lifestyle habits which can put you at risk of developing diabetes over time.
The outcome of the assessment will inform if you are “at lower risk” and “at higher risk”. You are recommended to repeat the DRA when there are changes to any the above factors.
20. What will the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) tell me?
The DRA outcome does not predict your lifetime risk for developing diabetes. It only identifies your current risk of being diabetic at the point of assessment.
If your DRA outcome is:
At Lower Risk
Continue practising a healthy lifestyle. You are also recommended to re-take the DRA 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 on to MyHealth via Singpass on HealthHub to receive an invitation to go for health screening via email. This health screening package can be redeemed at a Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinic of your choice. The e-screening invitation and the subsidised screening rates are only applicable for individuals found to be "at higher risk" after completing the DRA* .
21. How often should I do the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)?
The DRA outcome does not predict your lifetime risk for developing diabetes. Results only identify your current risk of being diabetic at the point of assessment. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes will change over time. 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
22. I am / My child is below 18 years old. Can I / my child still do the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)?
You must be 18 or above to complete the DRA. If you are worried about your risk or your child's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, please speak to your doctor.
23. I am above 39 years old. Can I still do the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)?
The DRA is developed for individuals between 18-39 years old. Individuals aged 40 years old 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 3 years once you reach 40. Hence, it is not necessary for you to do the DRA. If you’re a Singapore citizen, you can enjoy the new enhanced Screen for Life subsidies at CHAS GP clinics.
*(subject to eligibility)
24. I am 40 years old (or older). Why can’t I do the DRA?
The DRA is a locally validated tool developed for use among those who are 18-39 years old. It is not meant to assess the risk of diabetes among those outside the age range. In Singapore, individuals who are 40 years and older have access to health screening (including screening for diabetes) without having to go through an assessment. You can go to a CHAS GP Clinic and pay at most $5 for the health screening and a follow-up visit.
25. My friend was able to do the DRA in the past and she told me to do it. Why is it that I’m not able to do it now?
Your friend was able to use the DRA because we initially did not restrict its use to those 18-39 years old. Based on feedback we have received since launching the DRA, we have made this change, as well as changes to the messages associated with the DRA to encourage those 40 and older to go directly for screening. Diabetes increases with age and in Singapore, individuals are encouraged to go for health screening once they reach 40. There are over 1,000 CHAS GP clinics where you can do your health screening and be followed up by a doctor. CHAS cardholders only need to pay $2 to be screened, while Singaporeans who are non-CHAS cardholders pay $5. For more information please visit screenforlife.sg or call 1800 223 1313.