Regular wellness checks at a health screening clinic can help identify potential issues before they become serious. That goes for whether you’re dealing with hypertension, vitamin deficiencies or other nagging issues. Here, two clinics who carry out health screening in Singapore share their thoughts on why well checks including MCED tests could make for a healthier 2026 for all.
Where to go for health screenings in Singapore
International Medical Clinic (IMC)
“Regular health screenings in Singapore are a cornerstone of preventive medicine,” says DR JAMES MAGUIRE, a General Practitioner based at IMC Holland Village and Serangoon Garden. “They help detect diseases early, often before symptoms appear, which makes treatment more effective, less invasive, and increases the chances of a successful outcome.”
Beyond detection, there are some health screenings that can even help prevent diseases, explains Dr Maguire. “For example, colonoscopies allow doctors to remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Screenings also identify risk factors like prediabetes or high cholesterol, giving you the chance to take action before serious illness develops.”
According to Dr Maguire, many people are surprised by what routine health screenings at a clinic can reveal. Some of the most common conditions he detects include hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, early-stage kidney disease and thyroid disorders. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (particularly Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin B12) are also common findings, as well as colon, breast, cervical and prostate cancer. “The key is catching these early when they’re most manageable.”
A handful of recommended health screenings
Not sure which key screenings to prioritise? Here are a few of Dr Maguire’s recommendations:
- Blood pressure check: annual, to detect hypertension.
- Cholesterol panel: annual, to monitor heart disease risk.
- Blood glucose test: annual, to detect prediabetes or diabetes.
- Mammogram: every one to two years for women over 40, for early detection of breast cancer.
- Pap smear or HPV Test: every three to five years, to detect cervical cancer or precancerous changes.
- Colonoscopy: frequency depends on age and risk, for colorectal cancer prevention.
- Bone density scan (DEXA): frequency depends on age and risk, to check for osteoporosis and fracture risk.
- Skin check: frequency depends on age and risk, to identify suspicious moles or skin cancer.
Dr Maguire emphasises that health screenings at a clinic for blood pressure, blood, urine and stool are recommended for all adults, while other wellness checks are scheduled based on age and individual risk factors. If you’re unsure what screenings you need, they can guide you through the right options.
About the doctor
Dr James Maguire is a GP who provides both in-person and telemedicine care, managing acute illnesses, chronic conditions and preventive healthcare. He works with a team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals at IMC, all focused on delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care for adults and families.
International Medical Clinic (IMC)
IMC Camden, IMC Children’s, IMC Holland Village, IMC Katong and IMC Serangoon Garden
6733 4440 | imc-healthcare.com
Alliance Medical Centre
Another health screening option that’s been on our radar is multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing, designed to screen for several cancers at the same time. But why should you be including it in your annual wellness check, even if you seem perfectly healthy?
“Many cancers have no symptoms in the early stages,” says Dr JONATHAN SNG, Medical Director of Alliance Medical Centre. “MCED testing is able to detect cancers early, often before symptoms arise. This improves treatment efficacy and ensures higher survival outcomes.”
At Alliance Medical Centre, MCED options include SPOT-MAS10, a simple blood test that screens for cancers in up to 10 organs. “It uses next-generation AI sequencing to detect the presence of circulating tumour DNA,” explains Dr Sng. One of its key strengths is its reliability. “SPOT-MAS10 has a high negative predictive value of 99.9 percent, validated in large-scale studies. This means 999 out of 1,000 negative cases do not have cancer. The data shows it is effective in ruling out cancers.”
The MCED test also fits easily into your annual health screenings at a clinic. “SPOT-MAS10 can be tied in with other health tests since it just involves a simple blood drawing,” says Dr Sng. Patients need to fast eight hours prior. Results are typically ready within 21 working days, and they are explained thoroughly to you by your doctor.
Suitable candidates for this health screening
“Patients with a positive family history of cancer will benefit most from SPOT-MAS10,” Dr Sng advises. “We would recommend it as a supplement to yearly health screening.”
The MCED test isn’t suitable for everyone, however, such as those diagnosed with cancer within the last five years those diagnosed with cancer within the last five years, expectant mums, individuals with already highly suspected cancer signs or those who’ve had recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.
“While there are no clear guidelines on frequency, a yearly screen in conjunction with your usual health screening is convenient and ought to provide some peace of mind,” says Dr Sng.
About the doctor
Dr Jonathan Sng is a family physician and Corporate Medical Director at Alliance Healthcare Group. He has over 10 years of clinical experience across family medicine and public health.
Alliance Medical Centre
#B1-17/18/19 Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, 11 Orchard Road
6939 6161 | enquiries@alliancemedicalcentre.com.sg | alliancemedicalcentre.com.sg
This article on wellness checks and health screening clinics first appeared in The January 2026 Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.
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