Women’s Health Screening Singapore: What is it?
The reason for women’s health screening in Singapore is to detect potential health issues early before they can get out of hand. As you can imagine, in Singapore such screenings are vital due to the prevalence of conditions like breast and cervical cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis among women.
See how women’s health screening works and the results you can expect among other basics on this page: https://endofibroid.com.sg/service/womens-wellness-screening/. We created this article to clarify what a women’s health screening is.
Also, on this page, you will learn about the recommended screenings based on age and specific risk factors. Let’s begin!
What is Female Screening?
Simply put, female screening involves a series of medical tests and examinations tailored to women’s unique health needs. The aim of these screenings is to identify diseases or conditions in their early stages, often before symptoms manifest.
This way, the screenings enable early treatment, which can significantly enhance recovery prospects and reduce the risk of complications. With that out of the way you’re probably wondering, what assessments do I need?
Women’s health needs evolve with age. So when visiting an accredited clinic for women’s health screening in Singapore you should typically expect tailored screening recommendations. Here are the options for women’s health screening you may be recommended based on age
- Ages 18-29: Women aged 21 to 29 should undergo a Pap smear every three years to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Regular screenings for STIs are advised for sexually active women in this age group to ensure reproductive health.
- Ages 30-39: From age 30, women should consider an HPV test every five years, as it screens for high-risk human papillomavirus strains associated with cervical cancer. Monthly breast self-examinations can help women become familiar with their breasts and notice any changes early.
- Ages 40-49: Annual mammograms are recommended for early detection of breast cancer for women in this age group. Regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels are recommended for those in this age group to assess heart disease risk.
- Ages 50 and Above: Mammograms are recommended every two years for women aged 50 and above. Other than mammograms, you may be recommended tests like bone density test to assess osteoporosis risk, especially in post-menopausal women and regular colorectal cancer screenings, such as fecal occult blood tests or colonoscopies to detect early signs of colorectal cancer.
What Should a Good Women’s Health Screening Package Cover?
Top women’s health screening clinics offer packages which take care of the screenings they offer. A comprehensive women’s health screening package is essential for early detection and prevention of various health conditions.
A good women’s health screening package should be tailored to a woman’s age, medical history, lifestyle, and specific health concerns. The key components of a good screening package should typically include:
- General Health Assessment: This involves evaluating vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index (BMI). This package helps assess overall health and identify potential risk factors for conditions like hypertension and obesity.
- Blood Tests: Comprehensive blood panels can detect abnormalities in blood sugar levels, cholesterol profiles, liver and kidney functions, and complete blood counts. These tests are crucial for identifying risks of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and other systemic conditions.
- Cancer Screenings: If a women’s health screening covers cancer screening, it will typically cover breast cancer, and cervical cancer screening. Mammograms and breast ultrasounds are key for the detection of early signs of breast cancer. Regular screenings are recommended, especially for women over 40. Pap smears and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests help in identifying precancerous changes and HPV infections that could lead to cervical cancer. These screenings are typically advised for women aged 21 and above as earlier explained.
- Bone Health Checks: Bone density scans assess the risk of osteoporosis, particularly important for postmenopausal women. Early detection can open the window to interventions that strengthen bone health.
- Reproductive Health Checks: Pelvic examinations and ultrasounds are typically included in these packages to help evaluate the health of reproductive organs. Done correctly, they can help in the timely detection of conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other gynecological issues. As part of reproductive health checks, your package may also include tests for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. These tests are particularly important for sexually active women to maintain reproductive health and prevent transmission.
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Evaluations here like lipid profiles and electrocardiograms (ECG) help in assessing heart health and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of morbidity among women. These packages may also include fasting blood glucose tests and HbA1c measurements which are essential for detecting prediabetes and diabetes, enabling early management to prevent complications.
- Thyroid Function Tests: These tests help check thyroid hormone levels. They’re crucial for maintaining good health as thyroid disorders are more prevalent in women and can impact metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.
The good news is that in Singapore, various healthcare providers offer tailored health screening packages for women. For instance, Endofibroid Centre for Endometriosis and Fibroids provides packages that include consultations with gynecologists, Pap smears, pelvic ultrasounds, mammograms, and breast ultrasounds.
Essentially, they cater to different age groups and health needs. It’s however important to note that while comprehensive packages are beneficial, individual health needs vary.
You will want to consult with a knowledgeable women’s health specialist to customize the screening package based on personal health history, family history, and specific risk factors is advisable. A good provider will be happy to respond to any questions you might have about women’s health screening in Singapore and which tests are best suited for you.
In Closing
Routine women’s health screening is one of the clearest paths for women who are keen to maintain good overall health and prevent potential health issues. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Schedule a comprehensive women’s health screening with a trusted healthcare provider in Singapore. If you’re in Singapore, schedule an appointment with a board-certified women’s health specialist at;
Centre For Endometriosis And Fibroids – A/Prof Fong Yoke Fai | Gynaecologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Rd, #05-49 Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 1981
