In Singapore, preventive healthcare is taking centre stage with national initiatives like Screen for Life (SFL). This government-subsidised programme encourages eligible residents to go for regular health screenings to detect common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers. Still, a common question lingers among many younger adults: Should I wait until I am older before going for Screen for Life checks?
While it may seem logical to delay health screenings until symptoms appear or one reaches a more advanced age, this assumption overlooks a critical truth — early detection saves lives. Moreover, regular screenings are not just about diagnosing disease; they are about staying ahead of potential risks, understanding your baseline health, and making informed decisions to sustain long-term wellness.
This article explores why waiting for age milestones may not be the best strategy and how programmes like Screen for Life, together with initiatives such as the COVID vaccination drive, reinforce a national culture of proactive healthcare.
Why Early Screening Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions is that chronic diseases are only a concern for the elderly. However, conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers can develop silently over the years. By the time symptoms surface, the condition may already be in an advanced or less manageable stage.
The purpose of Screen for Life is to catch these conditions in their earliest stages — or even before they begin. For instance, a person in their 30s may discover elevated blood sugar levels long before diabetes sets in. This allows for lifestyle changes or interventions that can reverse or slow down disease progression.
Furthermore, individuals with family histories of chronic illnesses or lifestyle risk factors (such as smoking, poor diet, or lack of physical activity) are particularly encouraged to start screening earlier, regardless of age.
Aligning with Singapore’s Preventive Health Strategy
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has steadily shifted its focus toward preventive care. The Healthier SG initiative, for example, encourages residents to enrol with a family doctor and take active steps to prevent disease, not just treat it.
Screen for Life is a crucial component of this national movement. It enables eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to access subsidised screening tests at participating CHAS GP clinics, significantly reducing cost as a barrier. In many cases, the screening fee is only $5 or even free, depending on your age, risk profile, and the tests recommended for you.
These screenings include tests for:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol)
- Colorectal cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer (via mammograms at polyclinics)
The screening intervals and eligibility are determined based on age, gender, and individual risk factors — meaning that even if you’re younger, you may qualify for early checks.
Preventive Screening Post-COVID: A New Perspective
The COVID-19 pandemic brought public health into the global spotlight and made many people more conscious of their overall wellbeing. Vaccination efforts, including the nationwide COVID vaccination campaign in Singapore, were a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard health — even before illness occurs.
Just as the COVID vaccination was essential in preventing severe disease outcomes and reducing transmission, screening functions similarly by identifying potential risks and applying preventive or early treatment measures. Both are part of the same philosophy: prevention is better — and often cheaper — than cure.
In fact, the pandemic caused many to delay routine health checks due to restrictions or fear of exposure. As a result, some individuals are now being diagnosed with conditions that could have been managed earlier. Resuming regular screening, especially with accessible programmes like Screen for Life, is one way to course-correct and re-establish control over personal health.
But I Feel Fine – Why Should I Screen Now?
Feeling healthy is not always a reliable indicator of actual health. Many chronic conditions are asymptomatic in their early stages. Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” may not produce any symptoms until complications such as heart disease or stroke occur. Similarly, high cholesterol levels can go unnoticed for years until they manifest as heart problems.
Screening helps uncover these hidden risks. It also establishes a medical baseline that allows your doctor to track any changes over time. This is especially useful for younger adults, as it helps detect any early deviation from the norm.
Think of it as routine maintenance — just as you wouldn’t wait for your car to break down before taking it for servicing, you shouldn’t wait for health issues to arise before going for a check-up.
Who Should Consider Early Screening?
Even if you’re in your 20s or 30s, you should consider going for Screen for Life checks if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Smoke or consume excessive alcohol
- Are overweight or obese
- Have previously shown borderline health indicators
If you fall into any of these categories, early screening could help you take preventive steps today that save you from complex treatments tomorrow.
How to Get Started with Screen for Life
Participating in Screen for Life is easy. You can visit a CHAS GP clinic or enrol in the Healthier SG programme through HealthHub. Once enrolled, your doctor will assess your health profile and recommend appropriate screenings based on your age, gender, and risk level.
Don’t forget that you’ll receive subsidies under this programme, and some screenings may be completely free. After your check-up, your doctor will review the results with you and discuss any necessary follow-ups or lifestyle changes.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to go for screening, speak to a medical professional. Clinics like Keystone Clinic & Surgery provide clear guidance and accessible services to help you make the right decision.
Conclusion
Delaying your first Screen for Life check-up until you’re older may mean missing the chance to catch potential problems early. In Singapore’s health ecosystem — which includes initiatives like Screen for Life and the COVID vaccination drive — preventive care is becoming the cornerstone of long-term health. No matter your age, if you have risk factors or simply want peace of mind, now is a good time to take action. Waiting could mean unnecessary risks and complications down the road.
Book Your Screen for Life Check with Keystone Clinic & Surgery
Ready to take control of your health before problems arise? Keystone Clinic & Surgery offers trusted, patient-centred screening services under the Screen for Life programme. Our team will guide you through each step — from eligibility to follow-up — in a comfortable and professional environment.
Visit https://keystonemedical.com.sg today to book your appointment and begin your journey toward proactive, preventive healthcare. Don’t wait until you’re older — your health deserves attention now.
References
Healthhub.sg. Screen for Life – National Health Screening Programme. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/screen_for_life/sfl-faqs
Moh.gov.sg. Enhanced Screen for Life (SFL). https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/enhanced-screen-for-life
Cpf.gov.sg. How Often Should You Go for a Health Screening?. https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/how-often-should-you-go-for-a-health-screening