This article has been archived and will not be updated. For the latest information about our programmes and initiatives, please refer to www.hpb.gov.sg or www.healthhub.sg.
Health screening enables you to find out if you have a particular disease or condition even if you do not have any symptoms and/or signs of disease. Early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in better outcomes.
-
My doctor asked me to go for a new screening test. What should I ask my doctor about this test?
You should ask your doctor whether the screening test has been recommended by the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (AMS), based on your individual health profile. AMS has developed a national framework to guide Singaporeans on the screening tests we should go for.
-
I have no known medical problems but my family members do. Do I need to go for more screening tests? / I have chronic medical problems and they are well-controlled. Do I need to go for more screening tests?
Your doctor may recommend you to go for earlier or more frequent general screening tests, or order additional tests. These additional screening tests are more useful for people with risk factors, and may not benefit others. It is important to remember that the screening tests you need depend on your individual risk factors and health profile.
For example, if you are a Hepatitis B carrier, you may be advised to go for regular liver cancer screening; if you have a strong family history of a certain disease, screening for that particular disease may benefit you; if you have multiple risk factors for heart disease (e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol), you may benefit from some screening tests.
More importantly, talk to your family doctor first before going for these screening tests.