Men's Health Screening Singapore

Colorectal cancer is one of most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Singapore, and incidence is rising among men under 50, with younger adults making up about 1 in 10 cases annually. Early-stage colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms, making routine screening the most reliable way to catch it. Colorectal cancer screening for men in Singapore is recommended from age 50 under the Screen for Life programme, though screening earlier is advisable for those with health risks.

Signs to watch for:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal discomfort

Screening men should consider includes:

• Stool Occult Blood Test across all programmes
• CEA tumour marker
• Colonoscopy included in the Ivory programme

According to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2023, prostate cancer accounts for 18.0% of incident cancer cases in males from 2019 to 2023. Although risk increases with age, particularly from age 50 onwards, men with a family history may benefit from speaking to a doctor earlier about their risk.

Signs to watch for:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night

Many cases are asymptomatic in early stages.

Screening men should consider includes:

• PSA across all programmes
• Ultrasound prostate available as a diagnostic add-on

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in younger men aged 20 to 40, and one of the most treatable when caught early. Regular screening and self-examination are both relevant, particularly for men under 40.

Signs to watch for:

• A lump or swelling in the testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen

Screening covers:

• BetahCG tumour marker in the Ivory programme
• Ultrasound scrotum available as a diagnostic add-on

Testosterone levels decline at approximately 1 to 2% per year from around age 30. The effects, including fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass, are often attributed to stress or ageing rather than a hormonal shift. A simple blood test can tell you whether your levels warrant attention.

Signs to watch for:

• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced libido
• Mood changes, including low mood and irritability
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen
• Difficulty concentrating

Screening covers:

• Thyroid function across all programmes
• Broader hormone profile available in Noir and Ivory

Tests that assess how your body processes energy, sugar, and cholesterol.

Markers that evaluate how well your liver, kidneys, and thyroid are working.

Tests that assess your blood cells, immune response, and exposure to infection.

Blood tests that may help doctors look into certain cancers more closely. These are not standalone diagnostic or routine screening tests.

Tests that assess your heart rhythm, function, and cardiovascular risk.

Screening for bowel cancer, stomach bacteria, and digestive tract abnormalities.

Tests that assess your hormonal balance, including testosterone and thyroid function.

Urine tests that screen for kidney, bladder, and urinary tract conditions.

Scans and imaging tests that provide a visual assessment of your internal organs.

Tests that detect inflammation, autoimmune markers, and bone metabolism.

• Singapore NRIC, passport, employment pass, or work permit
• Recent health reports, X-rays, serology results, or doctor's notes, especially for first-time visits
• Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them — required for the vision test
• Sports attire and shoes if your programme includes a treadmill stress test
• Stool sample if collected at home — must not be kept for more than 12 hours before submission
• Letter of guarantee or authorisation from your insurer or company, if applicable

Depending on your selected programme, the average screening duration ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours. Duration may extend depending on the day's appointments. If your programme includes a treadmill stress test, allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Your health screening report will be ready within 10 working days. A doctor consultation is included in every programme to walk you through your results and provide personalised recommendations. If follow-up care or specialist referral is required, Healthway's network of GP clinics and specialist services is available to support you.

Men can benefit from basic health screening from early adulthood to establish a baseline for key indicators such as blood pressure and body weight. More comprehensive screening, such as for diabetes and cholesterol, is generally recommended from age 40 onwards under national programmes like Screen for Life, or earlier if you have risk factors such as family history, obesity, or smoking.

It is best to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate starting point based on your individual risk profile.

The recommended frequency depends on your age, health status, and risk factors. As a general guide:

• Every 1 to 3 years for younger men with no known conditions
• More regularly from age 40 onwards or if you have existing health concerns

Your doctor can advise on a suitable screening interval based on your results and overall risk profile.

From your 40s onwards, the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol increases. Many of these conditions develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

This is also the age range where more structured screening is recommended under national guidelines. Regular screening during this stage helps establish a clearer health baseline and identify any early changes that may require follow-up.

For men aged 50 and above, regular colorectal cancer screening is recommended. This is typically done using a stool occult blood test, which can be performed at home.

If the result is abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy may be advised.

Additional screening or evaluation may be considered for individuals with higher risk, for example, those with a strong family history of certain cancers. In such cases, a doctor may recommend further assessment or referral to a specialist where appropriate.

Men aged 50 and above, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their doctor.

A GP health screening typically focuses on essential checks such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, often as part of a routine consultation.

An executive health screening offers a broader range of tests, which may include more detailed blood panels, imaging, and dedicated review sessions. These programmes are generally designed for individuals who prefer a more comprehensive assessment, based on their personal health goals and risk factors.

Core health screening typically includes:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Blood glucose testing
• Cholesterol (lipid profile)
• Body mass index (BMI) or weight assessment

Additional tests may be recommended based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Screening decisions, including tests such as PSA, should be made in consultation with a doctor.

Yes. For men aged 50 and above, more comprehensive screening may be considered, depending on individual risk factors.

Programmes such as Noir and Ivory are designed to include broader assessments—such as cardiovascular risk markers, hormone evaluation, and colorectal screening (e.g. colonoscopy in selected programmes)—where clinically appropriate.

It is advisable to consult a doctor to determine which level of screening best suits your needs.

Not all screening programmes require fasting. This depends on the specific tests included in your package.

If fasting is required, you will typically need to avoid food and drinks (except plain water) for at least 8 hours before your appointment.

Some programmes offer non-fasting options. Please confirm the preparation requirements for your selected package when booking.

The duration of a health screening typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the programme selected.

If your screening includes additional tests such as a treadmill stress test, you may need to allow extra time.

If any results fall outside the normal range, your doctor will review them with you and explain their significance.

Depending on the findings, this may include lifestyle recommendations, further diagnostic tests, or referral to a specialist for additional evaluation and management.

Healthway Screening operates three dedicated centres in Singapore, all accessible by MRT and open Monday to Friday with Saturday morning appointments available:

• Healthway Screening @ Downtown — 6A Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery
• Healthway Screening @ Centrepoint — 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint
• Healthway Screening @ Capitol — 13 Stamford Road, Capitol Singapore