Singaporeans enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world – living well into their 80s. But with longer life comes a greater risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These conditions often have no early symptoms but can lead to serious complications if left undetected.
If you’re over 40, regular health screening in Singapore is one of the best ways to take control of your well-being and enjoy healthier, more independent years ahead.
What Are Chronic Diseases - and Why Should You Care?
Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that typically progress slowly and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle management. Common examples include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- Certain cancers (e.g., colorectal, cervical, breast)
These conditions may not cause obvious symptoms early on—but over time, they can seriously affect your health, mobility, and quality of life. They may also lead to complications like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, or blindness.
Why Health Screening Matters After 40
In Singapore:
- 1 in 4 adults over 65 has at least one chronic condition
- 37% have high cholesterol, and
- 32% have hypertension
- 400,000 people live with diabetes, projected to hit 1 million by 2050
Worryingly, 1 in 3 people with diabetes don’t know they have it.
That’s why health screening is crucial. It helps you detect hidden health risks before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention, lifestyle changes, and better long-term outcomes.
Expert Insight
“Chronic diseases like diabetes often go unnoticed until complications arise. Early screening allows us to detect and manage these conditions before they progress,” says Dr Rae-Ann, Family Physician at St Luke’s Community Clinic. “This is especially important as we age, because health risks increase significantly after 40.”
Benefits of Early Screening
READ: Warning Signs Of Diabetes
✅ Catch Conditions Early
Screening helps identify chronic diseases in their early stages—before complications develop.
✅ Lower Healthcare Costs
Managing a condition early is far more cost-effective than treating advanced illness.
✅ Improve Quality of Life
Early intervention can prevent severe complications and help maintain your daily routines.
✅ Motivation to Stay Healthy
Screening results often inspire positive changes like better diet, exercise, and sleep habits.
✅ Proactive Prevention
If you have a family history of chronic illness, screening helps you take control early.
Learn More: Healthier SG – Singapore’s Efforts to Promote Healthy Ageing
Healthier SG Screening
Healthier SG Screening (formerly known as Screen for Life) offers affordable checks for cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes), colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Book your screening appointment with your CHAS GP clinic today.
If you’re a Singapore Citizen or PR aged 40 and above, you may be eligible for subsidised screenings at $5 or less. Tests typically include:
- Diabetes screening
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol tests
- Colorectal and cervical screenings
👉 Check your eligibility and recommended screenings on HealthHub using your Singpass.
Where to Get Chronic Disease Screening in Singapore
At St Luke’s Community Clinic, we believe in keeping healthcare personal, accessible, and proactive.
What You Can Expect:
- Comprehensive chronic disease screenings
- Personalised health plans
- Ongoing care with trusted family physicians
- Supportive team focused on long-term well-being
Book Your Screening Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—by then, it may be too late. Take charge of your health now with regular screening and professional support.
📍 Visit St Luke’s Community Clinic
Book your Healthier SG screening here: https://www.slh.org.sg/healthiersg/
