Screening for cancer for women in Singapore is an important part of women’s health and preventative healthcare.
Early diagnosis and treatment is key for treatment of Breast Cancer and cervical cancer, in particular, where it will make a huge difference in treatment outcomes if discovered early.
For example, 5 – year survival rate for Stage 1 Breast cancer in Singapore is almost 90%, and drops to just 20-30% for Stage 4 cancer.
1. Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore.
Target Population
- Women aged 50 to 69: Recommended to undergo mammography screening every 2 years.
- Women aged 40 to 49: Screening is optional and should be discussed with a doctor, as the benefits and risks vary depending on individual risk factors.
- Women aged 70 and above: Screening is not routinely recommended but may be considered on an individual basis.
All women should also conduct Breast Self-examination (BSE) regularly.
Speak to our doctor today to learn how to conduct a BSE and if you would benefit from a mammogram.
2. Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through screening and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).
Target Population
- Women aged 25 to 29: Recommended to undergo a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women aged 30 and above: Recommended to undergo an HPV test every 5 years (preferred) or a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Women aged 65 and above: May stop screening if they have had regular screenings with normal results in the past 10 years.
Screening Methods
- Pap Smear: Detects abnormal cells in the cervix.
- HPV Test: Detects high-risk strains of HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer.
Furthermore, HPV Vaccination with Gardasil-9 or Cervarix is recommended to protect against HPV infection which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
3. Ovarian Cancer Screening
Ovarian cancer is less common but often diagnosed at advanced stages due to a lack of specific symptoms. There is no routine screening for ovarian cancer recommended in Singapore at this point.
High-Risk Individuals
- Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2), should consult their doctor for personalized screening plans.
- Screening may include pelvic ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests, though these are not routinely recommended for the general population.