By
Dr Ang Geok Lian, Head of Service, Principal Resident Physician,
Health Enrichment Centre
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore, responsible for over one-quarter of all fatalities annually. However,
early detection through regular cancer screening significantly improves survival rates and reduces the burden of advanced disease.
Despite its importance, many delay screenings due to
fear, lack of awareness, or busy lifestyles. Understanding the available screening options can help you take charge of your health.
Breast Cancer Screening: #1 Cancer for Women
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
Mammograms are the gold standard for early detection.
- Women
aged 50 to 69: Get a mammogram every 2 years
- Women
aged 40 to 49 with risk factors: Speak to a doctor about earlier screenings
Cervical Cancer: Highly Preventable
Cervical cancer is the
#10 most common
cancer in women but can be prevented with
regular screening and
HPV vaccination. Even vaccinated women should still go for screening.
-
Pap Smear (Every 3 Years): Women aged
25 to 29, detecting abnormal cervical cells
-
HPV Test (Every 5 Years): Women
aged 30 and above, identifying high-risk HPV strains
Colorectal Cancer: The Most Common Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the
#1 cancer in men and #2
cancer in women. Screening is crucial for those
above 50 as early detection can prevent the progression of precancerous polyps into cancer.
-
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): An
annual stool test that detects blood in the stool, an early warning sign of colorectal cancer
-
Colonoscopy: Performed under sedation, it detects early cancers before symptoms such as bleeding and removes potential precancerous polyps. If initial results show no polyps and there is no family history, it is recommended every 10 years.
Prostate Cancer: A Simple Test for Men Over 50
Prostate cancer is the
#2 cancer in men. A
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple
blood test that can detect abnormalities.
-
Men over 50: Discuss PSA screening with your doctor
-
Men with a family history: Earlier screening is recommended
Lung Cancer: Screening for High-Risk Individuals
Lung cancer is the
#3 cancer in Singapore and is
strongly linked to smoking,
family history and
environmental exposure.
-
Low-dose computerised tomography (LDCT) Scan: Recommended for long-term smokers or those exposed to industrial toxins
- LDCT provide
detailed images of the lungs using
less radiation, detecting cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage
Nose Cancer (Nasopharyngeal Cancer): Common Among the Chinese
Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) is rare globally but
more common among Chinese. Risk factors include family history, smoking, exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and diets high in preserved foods.
-
Nasopharyngoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera examines the upper part of the throat behind the nose for abnormalities
-
EBV blood test: Detect high EBV DNA levels linked to NPC
Screen Smart, Stay Healthy: Early Detection Saves Lives.
Cancer screening is more than detecting disease - it’s about taking control of your health and increasing your chances of survival through early intervention.
- Speak to your doctor about the screenings recommended for your age, gender, and family history
- Make screening a priority despite a busy schedule
- Encourage loved ones to get screened
Don’t wait for symptoms – Take charge of your health. Learn more about health screening at The
Health Enrichment Centre.