What is Screen for Life?
During the National Day Rally in 2017, PM Lee announced the upgraded Screen for Life program to improve screening rates and make it more affordable for everyone to do health screening.
Why Screen for Life?
It is heavily subsidised by our nation, and definitely very value for money. It also does not have any restrictions on what additional tests you may want to run.
Out a thousands of blood test, why only pick these few blood tests for Screen for Life?
Good question, there are thousands of blood tests out there claiming to screen for cancer, with some even claiming to predict how long you can live. However, these few tests in Screen for Life have been shown repeatedly to have the most mileage when applied to a large population of patients.
What does that translate to?
- Highest cost savings for the patient (and country) when picked up early
- Highest chance to treat before worse problems set in
- Highest chance to nip the disease in the bud
- If not picked up, definitely will cause the patient to have a worsened quality of life
It doesn’t mean that other tests are useless, but in our opinion, some of them could be commercial efforts to leech your hard-earned money by feeding on your ignorance.
Zenith doctors’ stand
Ask us for our stand on every single test that we order and we can tell you the background and proof (or lack of) behind the tests that we order.
Screen For Life Test Items and costs
| Conditions to be screened for | Screening Tests |
|---|---|
| Obesity | Body-Mass Index (BMI) |
| High Blood Pressure | Blood pressure measurement |
| Diabetes | *Fasting blood glucose |
| High Cholesterol | *Fasting lipid profile |
| Colon Cancer | (for patients above 50 years old) Stool tests |
| Cervical Cancer | (for women above 25) Pap smear |
| *Fasting test requires the client to fast for at least 8h for a more accurate result |
This is the chart published by HPB.
Complicated?
Well, wait till you read my manual. But don’t worry, we are here to help you. You can contact us (see below) and we will be glad to advise you.
Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a screening test that detects early cell changes in the cervix which might be cancerous. This procedure involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix and the vagina. This cell sample is then examined in a laboratory for any abnormality. All women (who have ever been sexually active) are at risk of developing cervical cancer. However, the risk increases with the following risk factors.
| Risk Factor |
|---|
| Have ever had sex |
| Sexually active |
| Have had multiple sexual partners |
| Have had a history of sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts or genital herpes |
| Smokes |
At Zenith Medical Clinic, your privacy is our priority and the results from the laboratories will be kept private and confidential. This is the third year we are participating in this campaign and you can rest assured that the Pap smear is carried out with great care.
| Am I eligible? |
|---|
| I am a woman and I am a Singaporean or Permanent Resident |
| I am aged 25-69 and ever had sex and/or am sexually active |
The above mentioned eligible candidates are encouraged to undergo a Pap smear at least once every 3 years. Before coming for the Pap smear, there are some personal preparations to make in order to ensure that the tests are as accurate as possible.
| Personal Preparations |
|---|
| Bring NRIC |
| Wear a two piece outfit |
| Not menstruating or have not had menses over the past 2 weeks |
| Have not engaged in sexual intercourse 48 hours before the screening test |
| Have not used spermicides, vaginal medications, vaginal creams, lubricant jellies, or tampons 48 hours before the screening test |
Book an appointment now
Before coming for the Pap smear, we would appreciate it if you could call in advance. Our number is (+65) 64433678.
Alternatively, you can leave your details here for us to get back to you.