Timely women's health screenings can help you catch diseases before symptoms develop. However, like many people, you probably don't know when to start these exams or how often to have them.
This can be confusing, especially considering that there are varying guidelines depending on the type of screening, your age, and other risk factors. To make everything easy to understand, we created this guide to break down the recommended ages for beginning important health screenings for women.
This guide particularly focuses on cervical and breast cancer, which should typically be covered in your women health screening package in Singapore. On this page, you will also learn about the most updated guidelines and the ideal frequency of these screenings. But first;
Why is Health Screening Important?
Health screenings are primarily done to help with preventive care, particularly for women. They are designed to detect diseases like cancer, heart disease, and other conditions that may not yet show symptoms.
One of the key reasons why health screening is important is that it helps with early detection which allows for earlier treatment. As you probably already understand, this can drastically improve outcomes and even save lives.
When visiting a clinic for women's health screening in Singapore, the exams you can typically expect range from cervical cancer screenings to breast cancer screenings, and checks for common conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. Cervical cancer, for instance, is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, which can detect precancerous changes.
Also, breast cancer screenings through mammograms can catch tumors early, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Aside from cancer, health screenings can also help monitor your reproductive health, bone density, and heart health.
What Age Should Women Start Screening?
The specific specialists you will want to see for women's health screening in Singapore are gynecologists for reproductive health, general practitioners for blood pressure and cholesterol tests, and radiologists for mammograms. If you're yet to begin the routine screenings you may wonder; what age should women start screening?
Now, your provider should be able to advise you based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. This is important because the guidelines for when women should begin screening vary depending on the type of exam and the individual’s risk factors.
According to the latest guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS), cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25. This marks an update from the previous recommendation of starting at 21.
Women aged 25 to 65 should undergo a primary HPV (human papillomavirus) test every 5 years. If a primary HPV test is unavailable, an HPV and Pap co-test every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years is also acceptable(
Breast cancer screening guidelines differ slightly. According to ACS guidelines, women aged 40 to 44 have the option to start annual mammograms.
However, it’s recommended that women aged 45 to 54 undergo mammograms every year, and at age 55, they can switch to every two years. Women should continue these screenings as long as they are in good health and expected to live another 10 years.
Other screenings, like those for colorectal cancer, should start at age 45, with stool tests or colonoscopy options available. For conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, screening recommendations typically begin around age 40. However, earlier testing may be necessary for women with risk factors like obesity or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
What is the Ideal Frequency of Women’s Health Screenings?
Another question we see often from people inquiring about women's health screening in Singapore is; how often should you do a health screening?
For cervical cancer, the ACS recommends that women aged 25 to 65 should be screened every 5 years with a primary HPV test. If an HPV test is not available, a Pap smears every 3 years or a co-test (Pap and HPV) every 5 years is a good alternative.
When it comes to breast cancer screening, women aged 45 to 54 should have yearly mammograms, while those aged 55 and older can opt for mammograms every two years. However, yearly screenings can continue depending on individual health history and risk factors.
Women at higher risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, may need more frequent screenings or additional tests like breast MRIs.
For colorectal cancer, the ACS recommends regular screening starting at age 45, and continuing through age 75. After age 75, the decision to continue screening should be based on individual health and personal preferences.
Other routine check-ups like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels should be tested at least annually. This is especially true for women over the age of 40 or those with known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. General health check-ups, which can include screening for conditions like osteoporosis, should be done regularly, especially as women age.
Why the Difference in Screening Guidelines?
While screening recommendations provide general guidelines, individual factors can significantly impact when and how often you should be screened. Personal and family medical histories, for example are key determiners.
For instance, you may need to begin your screenings earlier and have them more frequently than the general population if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Genetic mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, also increase the risk of cancer.
These too may prompt more aggressive screening plans. Other factors, like lifestyle choices, can influence screening frequency.
Smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of developing conditions like cervical and breast cancer. These would make regular screenings even more crucial for you if you live these kinds of lifestyles.
Closing Thoughts
There is no better way of maintaining your health than by getting regular health screenings as they allow for early detection and treatment of a wide range of conditions. While there are general guidelines that provide a roadmap, individual factors can influence your screening schedules. To be sure, seek clarity from a specialist in women's health screening in Singapore.
Do you have any questions on women's health screening in Singapore? Or are you ready for you or your loved one's first assessment? Book an appointment with a specialist below;
Ardennes Health
60 Paya Lebar Rd, #02-01/04,
Singapore 409051
+65 6980 3045
