Free Pap test for cervical cancer for women aged 25 to 69

Women aged 25 to 69 years old who have had sexual intercourse and who hold a valid blue or orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card are eligible for a free Pap test to detect cervical cancer early. 

The free screening campaign, called #My1stPapTest, is jointly organised by 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) and Icon Cancer Centre. It is an addition to 365CPS’ existing line-up of free health and cancer screenings aimed at lower-income individuals in Singapore.

Women who have previously undergone a Pap smear can also opt for this free cervical cancer screening.

The campaign runs from Mar 1 to May 31 and eligible women have until May 15 to sign up. To register, they can visit the campaign page on the 365CPS website.

The free package includes a pre-consultation appointment, a ThinPrep Pap Test and a post-consultation appointment at the beneficiary’s preferred clinic – one of six clinics under Advantage Medical Group or StarMed Specialist Centre. If her selected clinic is unavailable, she will be notified by 365CPS staff. 

The Pap test identifies pre-cancer cells or changes in the cervix, which may be early signs of cervical cancer. 

In the ThinPrep Pap Test, instead of spreading the cells on a glass slide, the doctor rinses them in a vial filled with a preserving solution. This method allowed nearly all the cells to be released into the liquid, ensuring that they were effectively captured for analysis.

After the screening, those found to be at risk of cervical cancer can continue at the same clinic for follow-up treatments or they can opt for subsidised healthcare by visiting a polyclinic with their test results.

EARLY DETECTION OF CERVICAL CANCER IS CRUCIAL

According to 365CPS, cervical cancer ranks as the 10th most common cancer among women in Singapore; it has the eighth highest mortality rate. Each year, over 200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

A 2019 study by the National University of Singapore found that although 88.5 per cent of women understood the purpose of a Pap smear, that year, only 48.2 per cent of those surveyed had taken the test within the previous three years.

Cervical cancer often doesn’t display symptoms in its early stages, but it’s highly preventable. Screening tests detect abnormalities before they turn into cancer. 

Getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also help prevent cervical cancer by protecting against HPV strains that cause cancer.