Health screening is one of the most effective ways to protect your health. Many common conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Detecting these conditions early allows timely treatment and lifestyle changes, reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

Every Life Stage Needs a Different Checklist

Just like a game, your body faces different challenges at different levels – and each one calls for different gears. The Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends that health screening be tailored according to a person's age, sex and individual risk factors. Here is what that looks like as you progress:

• From age 18:  track your body weight and blood pressure regularly. Obesity is linked to increased risks of developing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
• From age 40: screening for diabetes and high cholesterol becomes  important.  If you have risk factors such as obesity or a family history, you may require earlier screening.
• Women, from age 25: regular cervical cancer screening.
• Women, ages 40 to 49: Go for mammograms.
• Women, age 50 and above: Go for mammograms once every two years.
• Age 50 and above: Adults are encouraged to take up  colorectal cancer screening. This can be done by means of yearly faecal stool tests, or a colonoscopy every five to ten years.
• Family history of colon cancer: Go for colonoscopy, starting 10 years before the youngest affected relative’s diagnosis or at age 40, whichever comes first.

Bonus Checks Worth Unlocking

Beyond these routine screenings, some individuals may also benefit from additional assessments. 

• Bone mineral density testing: Recommended for postmenopausal women and older adults who are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Regular eye examinations: Important for older adults and those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Early glaucoma often has no symptoms but can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

There is No One-Size-Fits-All Cheat Code

Health screening is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, existing medical conditions and health goals all influence which tests are most appropriate and how often they should be performed. A personalised screening plan helps ensure that you receive the right tests at the right time - no wasted moves, and no missed threats. 

Get That Checked at the Health Enrichment Centre

At the Health Enrichment Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based health screening programmes tailored to each individual's needs. Our healthcare professionals provide personalised risk assessments, recommend appropriate screening tests, and partner with you for the long run. 

Health screening is an investment in your future, not an expense.  Pair the right screening with healthy habits to stay ahead of the game – with more control and clarity, you can enjoy greater peace of mind.

Don’t wait for a game over. Your next quest starts here!