When life gets busy, it's easy to put your own health aside. Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, health screenings often become something we plan to do "later".

The truth is, many health conditions don't show obvious symptoms in their early stages. By the time you notice something isn't quite right, treatment may become more complicated.

That's why regular health screenings and vaccinations are so important. They help detect potential health concerns early, often before symptoms appear, so you have more options for treatment and better long-term health outcomes.

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be detected, or even prevented, through regular screening. If you have ever been sexually active, cervical cancer screening should begin from 25 years old.

For women aged 25 to 29, a Pap test every three years is recommended. This test looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix before they develop into cancer.

Once you turn 30, the recommended screening changes to an HPV test every five years. Instead of looking for abnormal cells, the HPV test detects high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancer cases.

So why the change?

By the age of 30, HPV testing provides a more accurate picture of your long-term cervical cancer risk because it identifies the virus responsible for most cases before cell changes occur. This allows doctors to monitor your health more effectively over time.

Age Group Recommendation
25 to 29 years* Pap test every 3 years
30 years and above* HPV test every 5 years

*For women who have ever been sexually active.

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, and early detection can make a significant difference. One challenge is that breast cancer often develops quietly. Many women don't experience pain or notice a lump during the early stages.

This is where mammograms come in.

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to detect tiny changes in breast tissue, including very small masses or calcifications that cannot be felt during a physical examination. Detecting breast cancer early often means more treatment options and better outcomes.

Age Group Recommendation
40 to 49 Mammogram every year
50 to 74 Mammogram once every two years

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over many years, often beginning as small growths called polyps.

The good news is that these polyps can often be detected, and in many cases removed, before they become cancerous.

From 50 years old, colorectal cancer screening is recommended.

There are two commonly used screening options:

Screening Recommendation
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Every year to check for hidden blood in your stool
Colonoscopy Every five to ten years, depending on your doctor's advice and your individual risk factors

While the FIT is a simple, non-invasive screening test, a colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the colon more closely and remove polyps during the same procedure if needed.

Don't overlook your heart health

When people think about health screenings, cancer often comes to mind first. However, your heart health deserves just as much attention.

Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are often called "silent" conditions because they can develop without causing noticeable symptoms.

Regular screening helps identify these conditions early, giving you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes or start treatment before complications develop.

The recommended screenings include:

  • Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, at least once a year from 18 years old.
  • Blood glucose and cholesterol screening, from 40 years old.

These simple checks provide valuable insights into your overall health and can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Remember, every woman is different. Your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule depending on your family history, ethnicity, existing medical conditions, or other personal risk factors.

Screening Recommendation
Blood pressure From 18 years old, at least annually
BMI and waist circumference From 18 years old, at least annually
Blood glucose From 40 years old
Cholesterol From 40 years old

HPV vaccination helps protect before infection happens

While screenings help detect disease early, vaccination helps prevent certain diseases from developing in the first place.

The HPV vaccine protects against several high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, significantly reducing the risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The vaccine works by training your immune system to recognise and fight the virus before it has the chance to cause infection.

HPV vaccination is strongly recommended for girls and women aged 9 to 26.

Depending on the age when vaccination begins, the full course consists of either two or three doses over six months.

If you're between 27 and 45 years old and haven't been vaccinated previously, you may still benefit from the Gardasil 9 (HPV9) vaccine. Speak to your doctor to find out whether it's suitable for you.

Even if you're already sexually active, vaccination may still provide protection because you may not have been exposed to every HPV strain covered by the vaccine.

Do you still need cervical cancer screening after vaccination?

Yes.

This is a common question, and the answer is simple. The HPV vaccine protects against many high-risk HPV strains, but it does not protect against all of them. That's why regular cervical cancer screening remains an important part of protecting your health.

Think of vaccination as your first line of defence, while screening helps keep an eye on your cervical health over time. Together, they provide the most comprehensive protection.

Take charge of your health

Looking after your health doesn't have to be complicated. Keeping up with the recommended screenings for your age and staying up to date with vaccinations are simple steps that can make a meaningful difference to your long-term wellbeing.

If you're unsure which screenings are right for you, speak to your healthcare provider. Your screening plan should take into account your age, family history, medical history, and personal risk factors.

At Raffles Medical, we're here to support you at every stage of your health journey. From HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening to comprehensive health screening packages such as the Raffles Deluxe Plus Ladies and Raffles Executive Ladies, our experienced healthcare team can help you better understand your health and recommend the care that's right for you. Think of it as investing in your future self. Staying on top of your health today can help you enjoy more healthy, active years ahead.

The article is reviewed by Dr Tay Wei Ling, Family Physician, Raffles Medical.