The right health screening is not just about what’s appropriate for your age. It also depends on your family history, existing medical conditions and what you would like to understand about your health.
With so many different health screening packages in Singapore, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Do you need a basic health check, an executive health screening or additional tests for specific risks?
This guide explains what you may wish to consider at different ages, based on current Singapore screening recommendations.
Health Screening by Age
From age 18, regular screening for obesity and high blood pressure is recommended. BMI and waist circumference should be checked annually, while blood pressure screening is recommended at least once every two years, or more frequently when clinically indicated.
Other screenings are introduced at different ages or may begin earlier if you have recognised risk factors.
In your 20s and 30s
Your 20s and 30s are a useful time to understand your general health and establish baseline measurements for future comparison.
For most adults without risk factors, this does not mean adding on every available blood test or scan. A focused health assessment is usually sufficient.
Screenings to consider include:
- A Pap test every three years for women aged 25 to 29 who have had sexual intercourse
- An HPV test every five years for women aged 30 and above who have had sexual intercourse
- Earlier diabetes screening if you have recognised risk factors, such as being overweight, having high blood pressure or having a parent or sibling with diabetes
- Cholesterol screening from age 18 if you have more than one cardiovascular risk factor, or a family history of cardiovascular disease at a younger age
Programme starting point: Core or Ember
Core may suit adults seeking a first health baseline. Ember builds on this with the flexibility to include one selected diagnostic test where clinically appropriate.
From age 40
From age 40, regular screening for diabetes and high cholesterol is recommended for adults of average risk, even if they feel well.
Screenings to consider include:
- Diabetes screening every three years
- Cholesterol screening every three years
- Continuing cervical screening where applicable
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, follow the monitoring schedule advised by your doctor.
Programme starting point: Eunoia
This programme offers broader levels of laboratory and selected diagnostic tests where clinically appropriate. The individual tests should still be chosen according to your health profile and screening history.
From age 50
From age 50, colorectal cancer screening and regular breast cancer screening become particularly relevant, while bone health may become relevant for some people.
Screenings to consider include:
Colorectal cancer screening
FIT every year or colonoscopy every five to ten years may be used for colorectal cancer screening from age 50. The choice should take into account individual risk, preferences and suitability for the procedure.
Breast cancer screening
From age 50, women at average risk are recommended to have a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 may also consider annual mammography after discussing the potential benefits and limitations with their doctor.
Cervical cancer screening
Continue cervical screening where applicable.
Bone health
Assessment may become relevant with increasing age, particularly after menopause in women and from around age 65 in men. Earlier assessment may be appropriate when additional risk factors are present. Your doctor can determine whether a formal fracture-risk assessment or DXA scan is appropriate.
Lung cancer screening
Low-dose CT may be considered for people at sufficiently high risk because of their age and smoking history. It is not recommended as a routine screening test for people who do not meet high-risk criteria. Your doctor can assess whether you meet current Singapore recommendations.
Programme starting point: Noir
This programme may suit adults who want a wider assessment as cardiovascular, cancer, bone and other health considerations become more relevant. Your family history, previous results and existing conditions should also guide your choice.
In your 60s and beyond
Screening remains useful as you grow older, but what you ought to screen for becomes individualised. Your doctor may consider your existing conditions, mobility, previous results and whether further specific investigations are likely to benefit you.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Continuing diabetes and cholesterol screening every three years
- Continuing annual FIT or considering colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening
- Continuing mammograms every two years
- Cervical screening can usually be stopped after age 69 when the recommended screening history has been completed and there are no additional risk factors. Your doctor can advise when screening can safely stop.
- Continuing lung cancer screening if you meet the defined higher risk criteria
Programme starting point: Ivory
This programme offers a more extensive assessment for adults with several health considerations. Ivory (Pinnacle) includes colonoscopy and may be considered when this is appropriate and due based on your screening history and your doctor’s advice.
What Else Affects Your Screening Needs?
Age provides a useful starting point, but it does not tell the whole story. Your lifestyle, existing conditions, previous results and other risk factors may mean that certain screenings should begin earlier or follow a different schedule.
Family history is one of these factors.
Having a family history of a condition does not mean that you will develop it too. However, certain family history patterns can place you in a higher risk group, which may mean starting screening earlier or following a different screening plan.
| If this runs in your family | How it may affect your screening choices |
|---|---|
| Diabetes in a parent or sibling | A family history of diabetes can increase your risk. Younger adults may be advised to complete a diabetes risk assessment, with blood glucose screening considered if their overall risk is elevated. Your weight, blood pressure and other diabetes risk factors will also be considered. |
| Cardiovascular disease at a younger age | A first-degree relative who developed cardiovascular disease at a young age may indicate increased cardiovascular risk and may prompt earlier or more frequent assessment of cholesterol and other risk factors. |
| Familial hypercholesterolaemia | First degree relatives may be advised to undergo cascade screening when familial hypercholesterolaemia has been diagnosed or strongly suspected. This checks relatives who may have inherited the same form of high cholesterol. |
| A strong family history of breast cancer or a recognised high-risk genetic mutation | Women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or a recognised pathogenic genetic variant such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may require an earlier and/or more intensive screening strategy, which may include mammography and breast MRI. Assessment should be individualised according to the person's genetic and family-history risk. |
| Colorectal cancer in a parent or sibling | People with a significant family history of colorectal cancer may need earlier and/or more frequent colonoscopy than the general population. The starting age and interval depend on the age at diagnosis and number of affected first-degree relatives and should be determined by a doctor. |
| Osteoporosis or a fragility fracture in a parent or sibling | This is a recognised osteoporosis risk factor and may prompt an earlier risk assessment. It does not automatically mean that you need a bone mineral density scan. |
Based on: Singapore Ministry of Health and Academy of Medicine, Singapore, Screening Test Review Committee Report 2026, Volume 1 .
If you are unsure what runs in your family, start by asking which conditions your close relatives have had and how old they were when diagnosed. Share this information with your doctor before choosing a health screening programme.
How Can You Choose a Healthway Screening Option?
Once you understand which screenings you may be due for, the next step is deciding where and how broadly you would like to screen.
Healthway offers two main screening options: Clinic Health Screening and Executive Health Screening.
| Screening option | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Clinic Health Screening | Routine or focused health checks available at Healthway Medical GP clinics, including private packages and Healthier SG Screening for eligible Singapore Citizens. |
| Executive Health Screening | Screening at Healthway Screening Centres, with:
|
Two Ways to Screen Together
Our current Healthier Together Programme includes:
- GP Clinic Health Screening Package for Two from S$188 nett↗
- Executive Health Screening Bundle for Two from S$690 nett↗
These options provide different levels of screening. Read on to understand which may better suit your needs.
Eligibility, availability and terms apply.
Medical Disclaimer
Screening recommendations in this article are based primarily on current Singapore Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board recommendations, including the Screening Test Review Committee's 2026 recommendations. Screening needs may vary according to individual risk factors, medical history and clinical circumstances. Please consult your doctor for personalised advice.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Zhang Junjie
Family Physician at Healthway Screening
