Healthier SG Screening - National Health Screening Programme
The subsidised health screening programme for Singapore Citizens. The best time to go for screening is when you still feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Healthier SG Screening
Covers questions about the programme,
subsidies, and
eligibility.
Healthier SG Screening
Covers questions about the programme, subsidies,
and
eligibility.
Healthier SG
Screening 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
Healthier SG Screening. Prevailing rates for doctor's
consultation will be
charged by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
For
eligible Singapore
Citizens who are enrolled with Healthier SG, you will enjoy
special subsidies
for Healthier SG Screening at your enrolled Healthier SG clinic.
You can check
with your enrolled Healthier SG 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 cardiovascular
diseases or
selected
cancers (cervical or colorectal)
You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with your preferred CHAS GP
clinic. On the
appointment date, please present the relevant documents, your
NRIC, and
CHAS/MG/PG/PA* card, to qualify for the subsidised
rate.
*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 Healthier
SG Screening 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).
Where to go for screening
Covers questions about where to go for
subsidised
screening under Healthier SG Screening.
Where to go for screening
Covers questions about where to go for subsidised
screening
under Healthier SG Screening.
Subsidised
screening is
available at all CHAS GP clinics island wide.
You can easily schedule your health screening appointment
through the
Health Appointment System where you can select your preferred
clinic, date,
and time.
Simply book an
appointment for the
recommended subsidised screening tests you are due for.
For a smoother
process, we
strongly recommend to schedule a health
screening appointment
as you may need to prepare for your screening test.
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.
The subsidised
rates of $5
or below (for cardiovascular 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 Healthier SG Screening.
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
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.
5
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.
Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Covers questions about cardiovascular risk
screening such as
diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Covers questions about chronic disease screening
such as
diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular
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.
Under
Healthier SG
Screening, screening for cardiovascular 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11
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.
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.
Healthier SG Screening
Covers questions about the programme, subsidies, and eligibility.
Healthier SG Screening
Covers questions about the programme, subsidies, and eligibility.
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 Healthier SG Screening. Prevailing rates for doctor's consultation will be charged by the respective CHAS GP clinics.
For eligible Singapore Citizens who are enrolled with Healthier SG, you will enjoy special subsidies for Healthier SG Screening at your enrolled Healthier SG clinic. You can check with your enrolled Healthier SG clinic when your recommended screening is due.
-
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 cardiovascular diseases or selected cancers (cervical or colorectal)
*Eligible Public Assistance (PA) cardholders will receive the same subsidies as PG cardholders.
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 Healthier SG Screening.
Where to go for screening
Covers questions about where to go for subsidised screening under Healthier SG Screening.
You can easily schedule your health screening appointment through the Health Appointment System where you can select your preferred clinic, date, and time.
Simply book an appointment for the recommended subsidised screening tests you are due for.
Diabetes Risk Assessment
Covers questions about its purpose and eligibility criteria.
Diabetes Risk Assessment
Covers questions about its purpose and eligibility criteria.
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
- your weight
- high blood pressure
- diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy (for females)
- diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in your immediate family
5
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?
Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Covers questions about cardiovascular risk screening such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Risk Screening
Covers questions about chronic disease screening such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- have a condition that leaves you with a weak immune system (e.g. lupus)
- are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive
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.
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.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSIDISED SCREENING?
Click to book your screening appointment and find out which screening tests you are eligible for. Your eligibility depends on your age, sex, pre-existing conditions and your last health screening date.
Book to screen now