How often should you go for health screenings?
Key Takeaways
A health screening involves going to the doctor regularly even when you feel well.
Many serious health conditions don’t cause obvious symptoms, especially in their early stages. Screening tests can help to identify these conditions early, when they’re easier to treat.
There are a number of screening tests available. Specific recommendations for which tests you should have are based on your age, gender, and risk factors (including your personal medical history as well as your family history).
Some tests are recommended every year, while others are performed less frequently.
Not all screening tests that are marketed have been shown to be beneficial. It’s best to get the advice of a qualified physician to determine which tests you need.
What is a health screening?
Many people think of going to the doctor only when they feel unwell or are having symptoms that are potentially concerning. However, it’s also important to visit the doctor regularly, even when you’re feeling healthy. This is known as a health screening.
A health screening generally involves getting a physical exam and medical history from a doctor, along with blood and imaging tests that are based on your medical history and risk assessment. Health screenings help to catch potentially serious health issues when they’re in their early stages, when they’re easier to treat. Making sure that you receive your recommended health screenings is important for protecting your long-term health.
The importance of going for a health screening regularly
Health screenings are important because even a person who feels entirely healthy may have a serious health condition. Many conditions don’t always cause symptoms, particularly in their early stages. The intention of a health screening is to catch these conditions as early as possible, even before they cause obvious symptoms.
In many cases, when a health condition is caught early, it’s easier to treat. It may even be possible to avoid developing a serious health problem by taking action. For example, if a health screening finds that a person has prediabetes, then making certain lifestyle changes will significantly decrease the chances that they’ll later develop type 2 diabetes. If type 2 diabetes is not caught until it’s causing obvious symptoms, there may already be damage to the body, and it will be much more difficult to reverse.
The recommendations about which screening tests you should get are based on research showing that performing that test is worthwhile, because it catches a significant number of cases of a serious condition. Specific tests are recommended for specific populations. For example, some tests are recommended for everyone over 40, while others are recommended only for those with a strong family history of a particular type of cancer.
Keep in mind that not all screening tests are necessary or recommended. A large number of screening tests are marketed by corporations, but some of these tests don’t provide you with any useful information or have not been shown to reliably detect any health conditions. It’s important to get professional advice about which tests you need, so that you only spend time and money on the tests that will really benefit you.
How often do you need a health screening?
In general, it’s recommended to get a medical checkup and health screening every one to three years. Younger people who are in good health (without any known chronic health conditions) can safely go two to three years between checkups, while those who are aged 50 or older should consider getting a checkup every year. This is because many health conditions become more common as people age, so you’ll want to keep a closer eye on your health as you get older.
Your specific risk factors may also influence how often you need to get health screenings. For example, people who smoke may need screening for lung cancer, while this screening may not be recommended for those who have never smoked.
People who have a strong family history of a particular health condition may want to consider getting screened more often. For example, if you’re a woman and several of the women in your family have developed breast cancer, then you may want to get screened for breast cancer earlier and more often than other women would.
Specific health screening recommendations
There are a number of specific screening tests that have been shown to have benefits for people in certain populations. These include:
Blood pressure. High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease. Blood pressure should be checked at least once every two years in younger people, and once per year in those aged 40 and above. This will be checked when you visit your doctor.
Body composition. Obesity, or being significantly overweight, increases the risk of a number of chronic diseases. Body composition can be measured in a number of ways. It’s recommended that your waist circumference and BMI be checked at least once per year starting at age 18. To calculate your BMI, your weight and height are measured. This will also be checked when you visit your doctor.
Lipid panel. This blood test looks at the levels of various types of fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides. The levels of certain fats are associated with a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes. In addition, the test checks the level of CRP, a protein that’s increased by chronic inflammation and which is also associated with an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. For people aged 40 and above, it’s recommended that this be checked at least once every three years, and more often in people who have risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, obesity, or a strong family history of this condition).
Fasting blood glucose. This test checks the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood when you haven’t eaten recently. A high fasting glucose level indicates diabetes. It’s recommended that this screening be done at least once every three years starting at age 40. In people at a higher risk for diabetes, such as those who are very overweight or those with a strong family history of this condition, the screening may be recommended more often. Alternative tests to screen for diabetes, including hemoglobin A1c or a random blood glucose test, may be used instead.
STD screening. Many sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, don’t cause symptoms in many of those who are infected. However, STDs can still cause long-term consequences to your health, even if you don’t have any symptoms. You can also pass these diseases on to your future partners. If you have sex outside of a mutually monogamous relationship (such as marriage), then STD screening may be recommended for you. This involves a urine test as well as a blood test, to check for various diseases. How often you need STD screening depends on your specific situation, including how often you have new partners and what type of sexual activities you engage in. Screening may be recommended every year, or even more often in some cases.
Hormone testing. As people age, their levels of certain hormones tend to drop. Blood tests can be used to check hormone levels.
For women, checking the levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH can help to track the transition to menopause. This testing may be recommended for women who are approaching menopause, especially if they’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to changing hormone levels. The average age of menopause in Singapore is 49, although the exact timing varies significantly between women.
For men, it may be useful to check testosterone levels, especially if they’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to low testosterone. This may be recommended for men in their 40s or older.
Coronary artery calcium score. This test checks for calcium deposits in the walls of the arteries in your heart. Calcium deposits in the walls of the arteries cause them to become stiff and indicate obstruction, which raises the risk of a major event like a heart attack. This screening involves a CT scan, and may be recommended for those over age 40 who are at a high risk for heart disease.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. In people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a large blood vessel in the abdomen is bulging, making its wall weaker. If it bursts, this can be life-threatening. Screening involves an ultrasound of the abdomen to look for a bulge in this blood vessel. This is recommended for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, because this group is at the highest risk for this condition.
Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). This is a specific type of MRI, which is an imaging study that doesn’t involve radiation. The test is designed to look at the blood vessels in the brain, to check for aneurysms (bulges). Aneurysms that burst can lead to serious brain damage or death. This test is recommended for people who have experienced an aneurysm before, who have multiple close relatives with aneurysms, or who have certain types of genetic conditions that increase the risk of aneurysms.
Colorectal cancer screening. This is the most common type of cancer in Singapore, and regular screening is recommended starting at age 50. There are two different ways to screen for colorectal cancer. Each person can choose one or the other of these options.
One option is a Faecal Immunochemical Test, which checks for blood in the stool. This needs to be performed every year.
The other option is a colonoscopy. This is performed under sedation, and involves inserting a small flexible tube with a camera on the end into the rectum and colon to check for signs of cancer. This test should be performed every five to ten years.
Cervical cancer screening. Cancer of the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus (the womb), is a common type of cancer in women in Singapore. When caught early, it’s very treatable. Because sexual activity can transmit a virus that can cause cervical cancer, screening is generally recommended for all women who have ever had sexual intercourse at any point in their lives.
From ages 25 to 29, a Pap test is recommended once every three years. This involves gently scraping the surface of the cervix to collect some cells, which are then examined under a microscope to check for signs that they might be precancerous.
From ages 30 to 69, an HPV test is recommended once every five years. This still involves scraping cells from the surface of the cervix, but with this test, the cells are checked for the presence of certain strains of a virus called HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.
Breast cancer screening. Breast cancer accounts for more than a quarter of cases of cancer in women in Singapore. Breast cancer screening is done via a mammogram, which involves taking an X-ray image of the breast tissue to look for possible signs of cancer. It’s recommended that women between the ages of 40 and 49 get mammograms annually, while those ages 50 to 69 get mammograms every two years.
Lung cancer screening. Although there is not currently an official programme for lung cancer screening in Singapore, screening in people at higher risk has been shown to reduce the risk of death by lung cancer. This involves a CT scan of the chest, which is performed once per year. This is generally only recommended for smokers, who are at a significantly higher risk for lung cancer. People between the ages of 55 and 80 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years should consider lung cancer screening.
Is there a test that screens for various types of cancer?
Instead of screening for a single type of cancer each time, there is another option that allows you to screen for various types of cancer. LucenceINSIGHT is a blood test that screens for the risk of 12 different types of cancer. The LucenceINSIGHT test detects cancer-associated alterations circulating in blood and is recommended for those aged 40 years and above or individuals with an elevated risk for cancer (e.g. those with a strong family history of cancer).
Meanwhile, LucenceINSIGHT Plus screens for an additional 38 cancers, including two types of leukemia as well as a common age-related bone marrow phenomenon associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and hematologic cancers.
Where to go for health screening
Part of receiving your health screening includes being seen by a doctor. This allows them to check for any physical signs of an illness. They’ll also advise you on which screening tests are necessary given your age, medical condition, and family history. This is why you shouldn’t simply go to a laboratory to order your own tests. A consultation with a doctor is an important part of the process.
If you have a regular GP who you trust, you can visit them to get your annual health screenings. You can also search for a clinic that offers health screenings. Some Singaporeans may think of visiting a polyclinic, primarily because of their low cost. Although polyclinics do offer very specific health screening services, they generally don’t offer comprehensive health screenings, so this option may not always meet your needs. However, most public and private hospitals and clinics can perform health screenings.
You will need to make sure to choose a doctor that you’re comfortable with, so you can feel free to ask questions and learn more about the choices that are being made around your healthcare.
Pricing of screening tests and subsidies
There are subsidies available through the Ministry of Health (MOH) to help Singaporeans access health screening tests. The goal is to encourage more people to receive the recommended health screening tests and to have a follow up visit with a doctor to discuss the results. The program is known as Screen for Life, and it provides recommended screening tests for S$5 or less.
In general, private health insurance plans will also provide some coverage for health screening tests, but the specifics can vary significantly. If you’re planning to use private health insurance, then you may want to contact your insurance company ahead of time to determine which tests would be covered for you and how much you could expect to pay on your own.
At NOVI Health, we offer health screening services, including the LucenceINSIGHT and LucenceINSIGHT Plus. There are a few different options available, which will suit the needs of different individuals. This allows each person to select the option that’s best for them. All of these options include visits with a doctor both before and after the testing is performed.
The NOVI Assessment includes a variety of health screening tests, and is generally recommended for those aged under 40 years. This costs S$299.
The NOVI Assessment Plus includes everything from the NOVI Assessment, plus several additional tests intended to check for various types of cancer. This is recommended for those aged 40 years and over, and costs S$399.
The NOVI Assessment Premium is very comprehensive, and is intended for those in any age group who want to optimize their healthspan and longevity. The specific tests included can influence the price, and this will be discussed in detail during your pre-testing appointment with our specialists. In general, the cost for this starts from S$999.
What to do after a health screening
The results of some screening tests will be available right away. For others, you may have to wait up to a few days to get the results back. Your healthcare provider will let you know how you can view your results, and will notify you when they become available.
If all of your results are normal, then a follow up appointment may not be necessary. However, in many cases, a follow up appointment is beneficial to discuss your results, what they mean, and what the next steps should be. If any of your results are potentially concerning, then you may need additional testing to determine whether you have a serious health condition. You may also need treatment (for example, antibiotics to treat an STD).
Your doctor will let you know when to schedule your follow up appointment.
Questions you can ask your doctor
It’s very important that you choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. You should ask as many questions as necessary to fully understand the choices that are being made about your medical care. Remember that your doctor wants you to be fully informed, because this will help you to achieve your best possible health. Asking questions will not create a burden for them – in fact, most doctors enjoy helping people to understand their health care.
When you come for your medical checkup, you may want to ask questions like:
Which specific tests do you recommend?
Why do you recommend each one?
Are there any concerning signs on my physical exam? What do these mean?
After you get your results back, you may need to have a follow up appointment to discuss your results. This isn’t always necessary – if your results all come back in the normal range, then you may not need an appointment to discuss them. However, if there are any potentially concerning results, then you may need an appointment to discuss next steps. Often, additional tests will be needed to confirm the result or to get further information.
At your follow up appointment, you can ask questions such as:
What do these results mean for my health?
How reliable is this test? How likely is it that an abnormal result indicates that I have a serious health condition?
Based on these results, what actions do you recommend I take to help protect my health?
Do I need any follow up tests?
How soon should I have this test again?
What else should you do to remain healthy?
Screening tests can warn you of particular risks to your health, allowing you to take action to help keep yourself healthy. There are also some general guidelines that will help you to maintain your health for as long as possible. These guidelines will help anyone to protect their long-term health.
Make sure to get enough physical activity. The general recommendation is to aim for at least 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. Moderate intensity means that you’re just slightly out of breath – you could talk in short sentences, but couldn’t sing.
Eat a healthy diet. This includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains. Focus on including enough protein and healthy fats, and reducing sugars and starches as well as packaged foods.
Get enough sleep. Most people need eight hours of high-quality sleep every night. Make sure that you’re prioritizing sleep, because a lack of sleep is linked to a higher risk of a number of chronic diseases.
Maintain a healthy body weight. Being significantly overweight increases your risk for a number of different chronic health conditions.
Although the guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle may sound relatively simple, it can be challenging to find ways to incorporate these into your life in a way that’s sustainable. The guidance and support of a professional can be extremely helpful in creating and sticking to a healthy lifestyle plan.
At NOVI Health, all of our clients receive support from a team of healthcare professionals, including nutritionists and health coaches as well as expert physicians. Through our custom app, our clients can stay in communication with their healthcare team. Having support makes it much easier for people to achieve their healthy lifestyle goals.