Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore — but for the cancers most common in men, screening can catch them early when treatment works best. Dr Joel Foo offers a confidential men's screening consultation at his Jurong clinic, with the right tests for your age, family history and personal risk profile.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician
Last updated: May 07, 2026
According to the Singapore Cancer Society and the National Registry of Diseases Office, around 46 new cancer cases are diagnosed each day in Singapore, and roughly 16 people die of cancer daily. The three most common cancers in Singaporean men (2017–2021) are prostate (16.8%), colorectal (16.3%) and lung (13.5%). Liver cancer is also disproportionately common in men here — largely driven by chronic Hepatitis B infection.
The shared factor across these cancers: when caught early, treatment is far more effective. Five-year survival for early-stage prostate and colorectal cancer exceeds 90% — but drops sharply once the cancer has spread. That gap is what screening is designed to close.
Screening isn't the same as testing because something feels wrong. It's checking before symptoms appear, when there's the best chance of finding something small and treatable. The right combination of tests depends on your age, family history, smoking history, and whether you carry Hepatitis B.
Most early cancers cause no symptoms at all — that's why screening matters. But certain symptoms should never be ignored, and a doctor's review is the safe next step rather than waiting for the next routine screen.
If any of these are present, the conversation moves from screening to investigation. Don't sit on symptoms — Dr Joel can review and arrange the right tests on the same visit.
Cancer screening isn't one-size-fits-all. The right tests for a 35-year-old non-smoker are different from those for a 60-year-old long-term smoker with a family history. Dr Joel works through the picture with you and recommends what's worth doing, what isn't, and when to start.
Routine cancer screening is generally not started before 50 in average-risk men, but baseline general health screening is sensible — blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, liver function. For men with chronic Hepatitis B, liver cancer surveillance with ultrasound and AFP every 6 months is typically started from age 40, or earlier if you have cirrhosis or a family history of liver cancer.
For a deeper dive on prostate-specific testing, see the prostate cancer screening page.
Each cancer has a preferred screening method, and several have backup options if the first test isn't available or appropriate. Here's how the four most common cancers in Singaporean men are screened.
A simple blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA). It's a screening test, not a diagnostic one — a high PSA doesn't always mean cancer (an enlarged prostate or infection can lift it), and a normal PSA doesn't completely rule cancer out. Discussion of risks, benefits and your preferences should come before testing. Dr Joel's prostate cancer screening page covers PSA in detail.
FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test): a home stool test that picks up hidden blood. Done annually from age 50 in average-risk men. Subsidised under Singapore's Screen for Life programme.
Colonoscopy: direct examination of the colon under sedation. Done every 10 years if normal — also therapeutic, since polyps can be removed during the procedure. The test of choice if FIT is positive, if there's a strong family history, or if you have symptoms.
Low-dose CT scan of the chest is the only screening test shown to reduce lung cancer death — but only in high-risk groups. Eligibility is roughly age 50–80, with at least 20 pack-years of smoking, currently smoking or quit within the past 15 years. Outside this group, the radiation and false-positive risks outweigh the benefit.
Liver cancer is more common in Singaporean men than in many Western populations, largely because of chronic Hepatitis B. Surveillance with abdominal ultrasound and an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test every 6 months is recommended for men with chronic Hepatitis B from age 40 — or earlier if there is cirrhosis or a family history of liver cancer. If you don't know your Hepatitis B status, a simple blood test can settle it.
Stomach cancer is among the more common cancers in Singaporean men, particularly with chronic Helicobacter pylori infection or a family history. Screening is by OGD (oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) — a flexible camera that examines the upper digestive tract and can take biopsies if anything looks suspicious. It is usually offered to men with persistent upper-gut symptoms, known H. pylori, or a family history of stomach or oesophageal cancer. OGD and colonoscopy are often done together when both are indicated, with a combined price that is lower than either separately.
Tests like LucenceINSIGHT™ analyse circulating tumour DNA in a blood sample to look for signals of multiple cancers at once. Evidence is still emerging — these tests are not yet established as standalone screening, and they don't replace tests like FIT, colonoscopy, low-dose CT or PSA. They can complement established screening for men who want a broader baseline check. Dr Joel will discuss whether it adds meaningful information in your situation.
Dr Joel Foo will go through your age, family history, smoking history and Hepatitis B status, and recommend the screenings that are actually worth doing. No upselling, no scattergun packages — just the right tests for your risk profile. Consultation from $49.05, with same-day appointments at the Jurong clinic.
Book Your Appointment TodayCosts depend on which tests are ordered, and whether they form part of a broader screening package. Final cost is discussed during the consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
| Test | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Prostate Cancer | |
| PSA Test | $38.15 |
| Colorectal Cancer | |
| Stool Occult Blood Test / FIT | $27.25 |
| Colonoscopy2 Consultation at the clinic; procedure scheduled on a separate day at a day surgery centre. MediSave-claimable for patients aged 50 and above. |
From $2,398 |
| OGD + Colonoscopy combined2 Convenient if both are indicated — cheaper than booking each separately. |
From $2,943 |
| Stomach & Oesophageal Cancer | |
| OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)2 Consultation at the clinic; procedure scheduled on a separate day at a day surgery centre. |
From $1,417 |
| Lung Cancer | |
| Low-dose CT Scan For high-risk smokers and ex-smokers |
$436 |
| Liver Cancer | |
| Liver Function Tests | From $30.52 |
| Ultrasound Liver (Full HBS Scan) | $196.20 |
| Multi-Cancer | |
| LucenceINSIGHT™ Liquid Biopsy DNA blood test, from 6 cancers |
From $654 |
| Optional Add-on | |
|
Premium Mobile Blood Drawing at Your Home
Designed for busy professionals, VIP guests, or those who prefer privacy and convenience.
|
$54.50 (per location, up to 5 pax) |
| Package | Price* |
|---|---|
| Men Wellness (Full Body Screening + Total Testosterone)1 | From $152 |
| Comprehensive Health Screening Packages Multiple tiers including cancer markers, imaging and full bloods |
See PDF |
* Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
1 An early-morning blood draw after fasting is required for accuracy.
2 Additional fees may apply for additional procedures such as removal of polyps, medications and hospitalisation charges.
Specific test preparation (fasting, bowel preparation for colonoscopy) will be confirmed when you book.
Last updated: May 07, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates.
Fill in the form below and our team will be in touch. For a faster response, WhatsApp us on 8095 3275.
Common questions Dr Joel Foo is asked about cancer screening, what to test for, and what the results mean.
The most relevant screenings for men in Singapore target the four most common male cancers: prostate (PSA blood test), colorectal (FIT stool test or colonoscopy), lung (low-dose CT for high-risk smokers and ex-smokers), and liver (ultrasound and AFP blood test, particularly for those with chronic Hepatitis B). The right combination depends on your age, family history and personal risk factors.
General guidance: colorectal screening from age 50 (earlier with family history), prostate screening discussion from age 50 (or 45 with family history), low-dose CT for lung from age 50 if you have a significant smoking history, and liver surveillance from age 40 if you have chronic Hepatitis B (or earlier with cirrhosis or family history of liver cancer). Singapore's Healthier SG and Screen for Life programmes align broadly with these ages.
Frequency varies by test: FIT for colorectal cancer is annual, colonoscopy is typically every 10 years if normal, PSA testing is usually every 1–2 years after a baseline discussion, low-dose CT for lung is annual in high-risk smokers, and liver ultrasound with AFP is every 6 months for men with chronic Hepatitis B aged 40 and above (younger if cirrhosis or family history). Dr Joel will work out a schedule that fits your risk profile.
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry (2017–2021), the three most common cancers in men are prostate cancer (16.8% of male cancers, 6,912 cases), colorectal cancer (16.3%, 6,697 cases) and lung cancer (13.5%, 5,567 cases). Liver cancer is also disproportionately common in Singaporean men, largely linked to chronic Hepatitis B infection.
Some blood tests can suggest cancer or specific cancer risk — PSA for prostate, AFP for liver, and newer multi-cancer liquid biopsy tests that look for DNA fragments shed by tumours. However, no single blood test reliably detects all cancers. Most screening still uses a combination of blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT) and direct visualisation (colonoscopy) depending on the cancer being looked for.
FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a simple home stool test that detects hidden blood — done annually, no preparation needed. Colonoscopy is a direct examination of the colon under sedation, usually every 10 years if normal, and can remove polyps during the procedure. FIT is the typical first-line screening; an abnormal result usually leads to colonoscopy. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps may go straight to colonoscopy.
Low-dose CT lung screening is recommended for men aged roughly 50–80 with a significant smoking history (e.g. 20 pack-years or more) who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. It is not recommended for men who have never smoked or have a minimal smoking history, as the radiation and false-positive risks outweigh the benefit. Dr Joel can help work out whether you fall within the eligible group.
Selected screening tests are subsidised under Singapore's Healthier SG Screening programme (formerly Screen for Life), particularly FIT for colorectal cancer and selected blood tests for eligible citizens and PRs. MediSave can be applied to specific approved screening packages within annual limits. Outside these programmes, screening is typically self-pay or claimable under CHAS for eligible patients. Dr Joel's team can confirm what applies before you book.
At Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic: consultation from $49.05, PSA test $38.15, FIT (Stool Occult Blood) $27.25, liver function tests from $30.52, ultrasound liver $196.20, low-dose CT lung $436, OGD (gastroscopy) from $1,417, colonoscopy from $2,398, and combined OGD with colonoscopy from $2,943. The Men Wellness package (full body screening with cancer markers and total testosterone) starts from $152. WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates and to plan a screening that fits your risk profile.
Dr Joel practises at our Jurong clinic. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location, with other male physicians also available.
Message us on WhatsApp for a private consultation with Dr Joel Foo — risk review, the right tests for your profile, and clear next steps at the Jurong clinic.