Cancer Screening Singapore: Early Detection Saves Lives

Did you know that early-stage cancer treatment has a success rate of up to 90%? The difference between discovering cancer at stage one versus stage four can mean the difference between a complete recovery and facing limited treatment options. At Advantage Medical Group, our cancer screening services help detect abnormalities before symptoms appear, giving you the best chance for successful treatment and long-term health.

Cancer Screening Services We Offer

➤ Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Non-invasive stool test for colorectal cancer screening

➤ Pap Smear / HPV Test: Cervical cancer screening and prevention

➤ Mammogram: (via partner screening centres) Gold standard for breast cancer detection

➤ PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test: Prostate cancer screening for men

➤ Ultrasound & Imaging referrals: Additional diagnostic imaging when needed

➤ SPOT-MAS Early Detection Test: Advanced 10-cancer screening blood test

➤ LucenceINSIGHT® Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test: (Available upon doctor’s recommendation) – Comprehensive 12 or 50-cancer panel

Types of Cancer Screening We Offer

Our comprehensive cancer screening programme covers the most common cancer types affecting Singaporeans. Each screening method is selected based on proven effectiveness and alignment with national health guidelines.

Why Cancer Screening Matters

Many cancers develop silently over years without causing noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have progressed to advanced stages where treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less certain. This makes routine cancer screening essential for anyone concerned about their health.

Early detection changes everything:

✅ Higher survival rates: Catching cancer at stage 1 instead of stage 4 dramatically improves outcomes

✅ Less invasive treatment: Early-stage cancer often requires simpler, less aggressive procedures

✅ More treatment options: Early detection provides access to a wider range of effective treatments

✅ Peace of mind: Know you’re taking proactive steps to protect your health

Our cancer screening programme follows evidence-based guidelines recommended by Singapore’s Ministry of Health and international health organisations. We offer personalised screening recommendations based on your age, gender, medical history, and individual risk factors.

Breast Cancer Screening Singapore

Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women in Singapore. Our breast cancer screening services in Singapore provide early detection through clinical examinations and mammogram referrals. Mammography can detect breast cancer up to two years before a lump becomes palpable.

Who needs breast cancer screening:

  • Women aged 40 and above
  • Those with family history of breast cancer
  • Anyone concerned about breast health

What we offer:

  • Clinical breast examinations
  • Mammogram referrals to partner centres
  • Personalised screening schedules

Cervical Cancer Screening Singapore

Cervical cancer screening is one of the most effective preventive measures available. Through Pap smears and HPV testing, we identify precancerous changes years before cancer develops, making cervical cancer screening Singapore particularly valuable for prevention.

Screening methods:

  • Pap Smear – Detects abnormal cervical cells
  • HPV Testing – Identifies high-risk HPV strains

Recommended schedule:

  • Ages 25-29: Pap smear every 3 years
  • Ages 30+: HPV test every 5 years

Women who have been sexually active should begin cervical cancer screening at age 25.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, typically after age 50. Our screening uses the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which detects hidden blood in stool, an early warning sign of colorectal cancer or polyps.

Who should screen:

  • Adults aged 50 and above
  • Those with family history
  • Anyone with persistent digestive symptoms

What we offer:

  • Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – non-invasive stool test
  • Colonoscopy referrals to private specialists or government hospitals for high-risk individuals or follow-up investigation

Age-Based Screening Recommendations

  • Early detection improves chances of successful treatment.
  • Some cancers may not show symptoms in early stages.
  • Recommended as part of regular health maintenance, especially if you have risk factors.

Note: All screenings are conducted only upon clinical assessment by a licensed medical professional. Screening recommendations may vary based on your age, sex, and medical history.

Speak to our doctor about appropriate screening based on your age, medical history and lifestyle.

Age 25 – 39

 

Age 40 – 49

Age 50+

Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear every 3 years)

 Breast cancer screening for women (annual), Cervical cancer screening continues, Colorectal screening if family history

Recommended screening for women:

 Mammograms every 1-2 years (depending on individual risk)

 Continued cervical cancer screening (until age 65-70, then discuss with doctor)

 Colorectal cancer screening (FIT test annually or colonoscopy as   recommended)

Recommended screening for men:

 PSA testing for prostate cancer (discuss frequency with doctor)

 Colorectal cancer screening (FIT test annually or colonoscopy as recommended)

For both men and women:

 Consider lung cancer screening if you have a smoking history

 Multi-cancer detection tests for comprehensive screening

 More frequent screening if family history indicates higher risk

Understanding Your Cancer Risk Factors

Certain factors increase your cancer risk, making regular cancer screening even more important. Understanding these risk factors helps you make informed decisions about your screening schedule and overall health strategy.

1. Family History

Having close relatives with cancer significantly increases your risk. If your parents, siblings, or children have had cancer, you may need earlier or more frequent screening than general recommendations suggest. Genetic factors can play a substantial role in certain cancer types, particularly breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle choices directly impact cancer risk across multiple cancer types: Smoking or tobacco use (lung, throat, bladder cancers) Excessive alcohol consumption (liver, oesophageal, breast cancers) Poor diet lacking fruits and vegetables Lack of regular physical activity Obesity or significant overweight (increases risk for many cancer types)

3. Age

Cancer risk increases substantially after age 50, making regular screening increasingly important as you age. Whilst younger individuals can develop cancer, the majority of cancers occur in people over 50 years old. This is why screening programmes typically intensify after this age milestone.

4. Chronic Infections

Certain long-term infections increase cancer risk: Hepatitis B or C (liver cancer) HPV - Human Papillomavirus (cervical, throat cancers) H. pylori bacteria (stomach cancer) HIV infection (various cancer types)

5. Previous Cancer Diagnosis

If you've had cancer previously, you face higher risk for recurrence or developing secondary cancers. This requires ongoing surveillance and may need more frequent or additional screening beyond standard recommendations.

6. Environmental and Occupational Exposures

Prolonged exposure to certain substances increases cancer risk: Asbestos (lung, mesothelioma) Radiation exposure Certain industrial chemicals Prolonged sun exposure (skin cancer)

Cancer Screening

Comprehensive Health Screening Packages

We offer specially designed health screening packages that incorporate cancer screening alongside other essential health checks, providing a complete picture of your overall health.

Men's Wellness Package

$798

This comprehensive package provides thorough health assessment with focus on common male health concerns and cancer screening.

Package includes:

 General Health Assessment

  • Complete physical examination by experienced doctor
  • Blood pressure, weight, BMI measurements
  • Complete blood count and metabolic panel

 Comprehensive Blood Work

  • Diabetes screening (fasting glucose, HbA1c)
  • Cholesterol profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
  • Liver function tests
  • Kidney function tests
  • Thyroid screening

 Organ Health Evaluation

  • Heart health markers
  • Gut health assessment
  • Bone and joint health screening

 Cancer Screening Components

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
  • Colorectal cancer screening markers
  • Liver cancer markers (AFP)
  • Multi-organ tumour markers

This package provides comprehensive baseline health information and identifies potential concerns early when they’re most treatable.

Women's Wellness Package

$998

Our women’s wellness package addresses female-specific health concerns whilst providing comprehensive overall health assessment.

Package includes:

 General Health Assessment

  • Complete physical examination by experienced doctor
  • Vital signs and body composition assessment
  • Complete blood count

 Metabolic and Hormonal Screening

  • Diabetes screening (fasting glucose, HbA1c)
  • Comprehensive cholesterol profile
  • Liver and kidney function tests
  • Thyroid screening
  • Hormonal assessment

 Women’s Health Focus

  • Bone health screening 
  • Nutritional assessment
  • Iron deficiency screening 

 Cancer Screening Components

  • Breast cancer tumour markers
  • Cervical screening options available
  • Ovarian cancer markers (CA-125)
  • Colorectal cancer screening markers

This comprehensive package addresses the unique health needs of women across different life stages, from reproductive years through menopause and beyond.

Add a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening to Any of Our Health Screening Packages!

Go beyond standard screening with advanced multi-cancer blood tests that detect cancer signals years before symptoms appear.

10 Organ SPOTMAS ctDNA test

$950

12 Cancer
Lucense Insight Test

$2,100

50 Cancer
Lucense Insight Test

$4,200

Advanced Multi-Cancer Detection

Beyond traditional screening methods, we offer cutting-edge multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests that can detect cancer signals from multiple organs simultaneously, sometimes before traditional screening methods would identify them.

SPOT-MAS Test – $950

  • Screens 10 cancer types
  • Single blood draw
  • Results within 7-10 days

LucenceINSIGHT® Test – $2,100-$4,200

  • 12 or 50 cancer panel options
  • Advanced DNA analysis
  • Complements traditional screening

Perfect for individuals with:

  • Multiple cancer risk factors
  • Strong family history of cancer
  • Previous cancer diagnosis (monitoring for recurrence)
  • Desire for comprehensive screening beyond standard methods

These advanced tests complement traditional cancer screening methods and may be particularly valuable for individuals with multiple risk factors or those seeking the most comprehensive screening available.

Types of Cancer Screening Options

We offer access to a range of recommended cancer screening options, including:

  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
  • Pap Smear / HPV Test
  • Mammogram (via partner screening centres)
  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test
  • Ultrasound & Imaging referrals
  • SPOT-MAS Early Detection Test 
  • LucenceINSIGHT® Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test (Available upon doctor’s recommendation)

Your doctor will explain which tests are appropriate for you based on age, gender, and personal health history.

What are MCED tests?

MCED screening identifies cancer related mutation and signal localization through a simple blood test. It can detect early cancer signals even before you show any symptoms or signs of cancer. This allows for possibly less invasive treatment options and better chance of long term survival.

Complementary Services

 Screen For Life Programme Subsidised national screening for eligible Singapore Citizens.

 Vaccinations HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines reduce cancer risk.

 Weight Management Maintain healthy weight to reduce cancer risk.

 Pre-Marital Screening Comprehensive health assessment before marriage.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is common in men but often shows no early symptoms. Our PSA blood test measures prostate-specific antigen levels to detect potential problems early.

Men who should consider screening:

  • Aged 50 and above
  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • Experiencing urinary symptoms

Warning signs:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Blood in urine (requires immediate evaluation

Common Questions About Cancer Screening

How often should I get cancer screening?
The frequency of cancer screening depends on your age, gender, risk factors, and screening type. Generally, breast cancer screening is done annually or biennially, cervical cancer screening every three to five years, and colorectal screening annually or as advised by your doctor. Our doctors create personalised screening schedules based on individual risk profiles.
Is cancer screening painful?
Most cancer screening procedures involve minimal discomfort. Blood tests require a simple needle prick, Pap smears may cause brief pressure, and mammograms involve short breast compression. Any temporary discomfort is outweighed by the benefits of early cancer detection.
What happens if my cancer screening results are abnormal?
Abnormal results do not automatically mean cancer. Many non-cancerous conditions can cause abnormal findings. Your doctor will explain the results clearly and recommend appropriate follow-up, such as repeat tests, further investigations, or referral to a specialist if needed.
Can I claim cancer screening under MediSave or insurance?
Some cancer screening tests may be claimable under specific insurance policies or subsidy programmes such as Screen For Life. Coverage varies by insurer and test type. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, and our staff can assist with required documentation.
Do I need to fast before cancer screening?
Fasting requirements depend on the specific tests included in your screening. Some blood tests require fasting, while others do not. Your appointment confirmation will outline any preparation needed. Cervical cancer screening and mammograms generally do not require fasting.
How accurate is cancer screening?
No screening test is 100% accurate, but cancer screening significantly improves early detection. Mammograms detect approximately 85–90% of breast cancers, cervical screening prevents up to 80% of cervical cancers, and colorectal screening reduces colorectal cancer deaths substantially when done regularly.
At what age should I start cancer screening?
The recommended starting age varies by cancer type and individual risk factors. Cervical cancer screening usually begins at age 25, breast cancer screening at 40, and colorectal screening at 50. Those with family history or higher risk may need earlier screening after consulting a doctor.
What is the difference between cancer screening and diagnostic tests?
Cancer screening is performed on individuals without symptoms to detect cancer early. Diagnostic tests are used to investigate symptoms or confirm abnormal screening results. Screening helps identify potential issues early, while diagnostic tests determine whether cancer is present.
Can lifestyle changes reduce my cancer risk?
Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and staying up to date with vaccinations can reduce cancer risk. Screening remains important even with healthy lifestyle habits.
How long does cancer screening take?
A typical cancer screening appointment takes around 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the tests involved. Blood tests take only a few minutes, Pap smears about five minutes, and physical examinations approximately 10–15 minutes. Imaging tests may require separate appointments.
Can I do cancer screening if I feel perfectly healthy?
Yes. Many cancers develop silently without symptoms. Cancer screening is most effective when performed before symptoms appear, allowing early detection and treatment when outcomes are best.
What should I do to prepare for cancer screening?
Preparation depends on the type of screening. Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal medications for 48 hours before cervical screening. Schedule mammograms when breasts are least tender, usually the week after menstruation. Some blood tests require fasting, and your appointment confirmation will include specific instructions.
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