For many men, health often takes a back seat, and it’s easy to assume that feeling fine means being healthy until symptoms appear. But the truth is, many conditions develop quietly, and by the time they surface, treatment can become more complex.
That’s where health screening plays a vital role. It helps identify potential issues before they progress and for men, it can detect common health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and prostate or testicular cancer.
If you’re wondering when to start and what tests you really need, here’s what every man in Singapore should know.
Why Regular Screening Matters for Men
Regular screening does more than just provide numbers on a report. It offers insight into your body’s inner workings and helps you spot risks that may not show symptoms until much later.
Here’s an overview of key health areas men should watch out for:
| Category | Top Conditions for Men in Singapore | Relative Commonness |
| Cardiovascular & Metabolic | Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes | Among the most common and serious health concerns |
| Cancer | Colorectal, prostate, testicular | Common cancer types affecting men |
| Hormonal / Ageing | Low testosterone, metabolic slowdown | Increasing common with age |
Understanding what to screen for helps men stay proactive about their health. Let’s explore the key areas where screening can make the biggest difference.
Heart and Metabolic Diseases
Heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol are among the most common chronic conditions affecting men in Singapore. These often occur together as part of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or breathlessness
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Swelling in the legs
- Unexplained weight changes
Screening methods include:
- Blood Pressure Check – detects hypertension early.
- Blood Tests:
- Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c – screens for diabetes.
- Lipid Profile – measures cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Body Composition Checks:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference – assess weight and fat distribution.
- Heart Function Tests:
- ECG (Resting) – monitors heart rhythm.
- Treadmill Stress Test – evaluates heart performance under physical strain, if needed.
Prostate Health
The prostate is a small gland that supports male reproductive function. As men get older, it can enlarge or develop changes that may cause urinary symptoms or, in some cases, cancer.
In Singapore, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. The risk increases with age, especially after 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of the disease.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow.
- Frequent urination at night.
- Blood in urine or semen.
- Pain in the lower back or hips.
These symptoms can be caused by several conditions, but they should always be checked by a doctor.
Screening methods include:
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – a blood test that measures PSA levels, which may rise due to prostate enlargement, inflammation, or cancer.
- Ultrasound Prostate – an imaging scan that helps assess the size, structure, and possible abnormalities of the prostate gland.
Testicular Health
Unlike prostate cancer, testicular cancer affects younger men, typically between ages 20 and 40. While uncommon, it’s one of the most treatable cancers when found early.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- A painless lump or swelling in one testicle.
- A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but any new or persistent changes should be evaluated by a doctor.
Screening methods includes:
- Ultrasound Testes – checks for lumps or structural changes.
- Beta-hCG and AFP Tests – blood tests that detect tumour markers linked to testicular cancer.
- Monthly Self-Check – helps men identify unusual lumps or swelling early.
Colorectal Health
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men in Singapore, especially from age 50 onwards. It often starts as small polyps in the colon, which can become cancerous if not detected early.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Blood in stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms often appear late, which is why regular colorectal screening is essential for early detection.
Screening methods include:
- Stool Occult Blood (Immuno) – a stool test that detects hidden blood, which may be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy – performed every 10 years, or as a follow-up to abnormal stool test results.
Hormonal and Metabolic Health
From their 30s onwards, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, a normal part of ageing. However, low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, low mood, weight gain, and reduced concentration or libido.
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Constant tiredness despite adequate rest
- Mood changes or irritability
- Loss of muscle mass or strength
- Decreased sexual drive or performance
Screening methods include:
- Testosterone (Total) – assesses male hormone levels that influence energy, mood, and muscle strength.
- Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – evaluate thyroid function, which affects metabolism, weight, and fatigue.
Recommended Health Screenings for Men in Singapore by Age Group
Ages 18 to 39
- BMI and Waist Circumference – once a year
- Blood Pressure – once every two years
- Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c (Diabetes Test)* - once every three years
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)* – once every three years
- Testicular Health Check
* Only for those found to be ‘At Higher Risk’ via the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA)
Ages 40 to 49
- BMI and Waist Circumference – once a year
- Blood Pressure – once every two years (or more often if elevated)
- Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c (Diabetes Test) – once every three years
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) – once every three years
- Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA test) - discuss risk with your doctor
Ages 50 and above
- BMI and Waist Circumference – once a year
- Blood Pressure – once every two years
- Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c – once every three years
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) – once every three years
- Colorectal Cancer (Faecal Immunochemical Test, FIT) – once a year
- Colonoscopy – every 10 years as an alternative or follow-up to an abnormal FIT
- Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA test) - discuss risk with your doctor
Take Charge of Your Health
Health screening isn’t just about detecting illness, it’s about giving yourself a clearer picture of where your health stands today and how to protect it for tomorrow.
At Healthway Health Screening, our Executive Health Screening offers a comprehensive package designed to assess key areas of men’s health, from heart and hormonal checks to prostate and testicular cancer screening.
Schedule your health screening today and take the first step towards long-term wellbeing.
