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Screen for Life (SFL) is a national health screening programme developed by Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB) to encourage early detection, and management of chronic conditions, and cancers.
The programme aims to empower residents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health by offering evidence-based screenings at highly subsidised rates. These screenings are designed to detect common chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, as well as selected cancers, specifically cervical, colorectal, and breast cancer, before symptoms arise.
By focusing on early detection, timely intervention, and consistent follow-ups, Screen for Life seeks to reduce the burden of preventable diseases, improve long-term health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for Singapore residents across all life stages.
SFL programme offers a range of recommended health screenings tailored to your age, gender, and risk profile. These screenings are designed to detect common chronic conditions, and certain cancers early, allowing for timely intervention, and better health outcomes.
Who should be screened | Individuals aged 40 years, and above, as well as younger individuals with specific risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking or a family history of chronic conditions. |
What it screens for | This screening is crucial for detecting chronic conditions that often develop silently, without early symptoms. It includes: Diabetes Mellitus – detected through either fasting blood glucose or HbA1c test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications such as kidney damage, eye issues, and nerve problems. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – blood pressure readings are taken to detect hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left untreated. High Blood Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia) – a fasting lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Managing cholesterol levels can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. |
Although these conditions often do not present symptoms in their early stages, it can still lead to severe complications if it is left unmanaged. That is why early detection is crucial as it allows for effective lifestyle modifications, medication management, and monitoring.
Cancer screening under SFL is stratified by gender, and age to focus on cancers that are both common, and highly treatable when detected early.
TYPE OF CANCER | TARGET GROUP | SCREENING OPTIONS | NOTE |
Cervical Cancer Screening | Women aged 25 to 69 years old who have had sexual intercourse. | Pap Smear – recommended every 3 years for women aged 25 to 29 years old. This test detects abnormal cells on the cervix before they develop into cancer. HPV Test – recommended every 5 years for women aged 30 to 69 years old. It detects high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. | Early detection through these methods can prevent cervical cancer altogether by identifying, and treating pre-cancerous changes. |
Colorectal Cancer Screening | Men, and women aged 50 years old, and above. | Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – done annually, this test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may be an early sign of colorectal cancer or large polyps. The test is non-invasive, and can be done at home. | Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, but when detected early through FIT, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. |
Breast Cancer Screening | Women aged 50 to 69 years old. | Mammogram – recommended once every 2 years. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumours too small to be felt. Regular screening helps detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. | As breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Singapore, it goes without saying that early detection saves lives, and reduces the need for aggressive treatment. |
The health screenings offered under the SFL programme are designed to detect common yet serious medical conditions that are highly prevalent in Singapore, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. These conditions often develop silently, and may go unnoticed until they become severe or life-threatening.
However, early detection through timely screening significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, helps prevent complications, and improves overall quality of life. More importantly, it empowers individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining their health, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
By participating in the SFL programme, you not only protect your health but also contribute to reducing the long-term burden on Singapore’s healthcare system. Preventive care is often more cost-effective than managing advanced illness, meaning you benefit from improved health outcomes, and potentially lower medical expenses over time.
All screening tests under the SFL programme are:
Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, the SFL programme provides customised screening recommendations based on the following factors:
This tailored approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate health checks for your individual risk profile, whether it is screening for chronic conditions such as diabetes, and hypertension or cancers like colorectal, cervical or breast cancer. By targeting screenings according to risk, the programme maximises effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary tests.
To check which screenings are recommended for you, you may:
One of the key strengths of the SFL programme is its affordability. By offering generous government subsidies, the programme ensures that essential health screenings are within reach for all eligible Singaporeans, especially those who may otherwise be deterred by cost.
All Singapore citizens are entitled to subsidised screening rates when they visit participating CHAS General Practitioner (GP) clinics. The cost of a screening visit typically ranges from SGD0 to SGD5, depending on the individual’s eligibility tier, and health benefits status.
These subsidised rates apply to the following screenings:
Further enhanced subsidies are provided to individuals from vulnerable or older population segments. These include:
These groups often receive fully subsidised screenings, meaning they pay SGD0 for selected tests, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to accessing life-saving preventive care.
While PRs are not eligible for SFL subsidies, they are still encouraged to undergo recommended health screenings at standard clinic rates. Although these tests are not subsidised, they remain a valuable investment in long-term health.
In fact, regular screenings can help PRs detect chronic conditions or cancer at an early stage, leading to more effective treatment, and lower healthcare costs in the future. Many GP clinics also offer bundled packages or promotions that PRs may benefit from, even outside the SFL framework.
Participating in the SFL programme provides critical benefits that can positively impact your health long-term:
Participating in SFL involves a few simple steps, designed to ensure convenience, and comfort for patients:
STEPS | WHAT IT ENTAILS |
Eligibility Check & Appointment Booking | Check your eligibility, and recommend screenings through the HealthHub website or app. You can then book an appointment at a participating CHAS GP clinic such as Phoenix Medical Group. |
Initial Consultation and Screening | During your visit: Our doctor will review your eligibility for the SFL screening, medical history and lifestyle. Relevant tests, such as blood tests, FIT kits, Pap smears or mammograms will be arranged. You may be asked to return for specific screenings or collect home test kits such as the FIT kit. |
Follow-Up and Results Review | Our doctor will discuss your screening results, and explain any next steps. If results are abnormal, our doctor will recommend additional investigations or refer you to a specialist. If results are normal, our doctor will advise you on your next screening timeline, and general health maintenance. |
Ongoing Preventive Care | Even if your results are clear, maintaining a regular screening schedule, and a healthy lifestyle remains important. |
At Phoenix Medical Group, we firmly believe that prevention is the foundation of lifelong wellness. As a proud participating clinic under the SFL programme, we are here to make your health screening experience simple, accessible, and empowering.
When you choose us for your preventive care, you can expect:
Schedule a consultation with us today for your first screening or routine check-up and stay one step ahead of potential health issues.
While both are government initiatives focused on preventive care, they have different scopes:
In short, SFL focuses on screening, while Healthier SG supports your overall health journey.
Eligible Singaporeans pay as little as SGD0, and no more than SGD5 per screening visit at CHAS GP clinics. The exact fee depends on your subsidy tier. PRs will pay standard clinic rates.
You can:
Screening intervals depend on your risk profile, and the type of screening:
Rest assured that our GP will advise on the most appropriate schedule for you.
Fasting may be required for:
Our clinic will inform you if fasting is necessary, which is typically 8 to 10 hours without food, water is usually allowed.
No. You must visit a participating CHAS GP clinic or a designated screening centre. Clinics like Phoenix Medical Group are approved providers under the programme.
Yes. Screenings are meant to detect conditions before symptoms appear. Many chronic diseases, and cancers can remain silent for years. In fact, early detection gives you the best chance of successful management or treatment.
Yes. Our GP will follow up with you to:
If your results are abnormal, our doctor will:
Yes. You may receive reminders via the HealthHub app or your GP clinic. You can also set your own digital alerts through HealthHub to stay on track.
In most cases, MediSave is not required. SFL screenings for eligible Singaporeans are already highly subsidised, and cost little or nothing out of pocket.