CervicalScreen Singapore is the national cervical cancer screening programme which encourages women aged 25 years old and above who ever have had sex to go for Pap smear tests once every 3 years. Read on to find out more.
CervicalScreen Singapore (CSS) is the national cervical cancer screening programme which encourages women aged 25 years old and above, who have ever had sex or are sexually active to go for Pap smear once every three years. Pap smear helps to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix early and allow for more effective treatment against cervical cancer. The chances of cervical cancer can also be reduced by vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV). However, HPV vaccination does not give 100% protection and women who are HPV-vaccinated should still continue to go for Pap smear at the same interval (once every three years).
What is CervicalScreen Singapore (CSS)?
- It is a national cervical cancer screening programme aimed at encouraging all women aged 25 years and above who have ever had sex or are sexually active to go for Pap smear once every three years. Subsidised screening is available at all polyclinics.
- Under the CSS programme, women will receive reminders to go for screening.
Who is eligible to participate in CervicalScreen Singapore?
You are eligible if you are:
- A Singaporean or a Permanent Resident
- Aged 25 years and above
How often should I be screened?
The Programme recommends screening for cervical cancer (using Pap smear) once every three years. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately:
- Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Irregular bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
How much does a Pap smear cost under the subsidised programme?
The usual cost of a Pap smear at the polyclinics is about $40. Under the programme, Pap smear is offered at subsidised rates of $15 for Singaporeans and $22.50 for Permanent Residents (PRs).
You can also visit any Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)-registered General Practitioner (GP) clinics, under the Integrated Screening Programme for a Pap smear. The test costs $15 excluding GP consultation fees.
I am currently being treated for cervical problems. Will I be eligible for the subsidised screening?
No. The subsidised screening is for women who feel well and do not have any cervical problems.
I am a CSC card holder, am I entitled for subsidy at the polyclinics?
No. You will have to pay $15 when you go to the polyclinics for the Pap smear.
I cannot afford to pay for my screening, who do I look to for help?
If you need financial assistance, please inform the nurses at the polyclinic.
Which are the participating screening centres? And how do I make an appointment?
A doctor s referral is not needed to make an appointment for Pap smear at the following polyclinics. To make an appointment, you can dial the numbers below:
List of Polyclinics that offer Pap Smear Tests
| NHG Polyclinics | SingHealth Polyclinics |
|---|---|
| Tel: 6355 3000 | |
| Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic Blk 723 #01-4136 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 | Bedok Polyclinic Blk 212 #03-147 Bedok North St.1 Tel: 6243 6740 / 6243 6741 |
| Bukit Batok Polyclinic 50 Bukit Batok West Ave 3 | Bukit Merah Polyclinic Blk 163 #04-3565 Bukit Merah Central Tel: 6377 5232 |
| Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic 2 Teck Whye Crescent | Geylang Polyclinic 21 Geylang East Central Tel: 6547 6974 |
| Clementi Polyclinic Blk 451 #02-307 Clementi Ave 3 | Marine Parade Polyclinic Blk 80 #01-792 Marine Parade Tel: 6345 0049 |
| Hougang Polyclinic 89 Hougang Ave 4 | Outram Polyclinic 3 Second Hospital Avenue Tel: 6435 3983 |
| Jurong Polyclinic 190 Jurong East Ave 1 | Pasir Ris Polyclinic 1 Pasir Ris Drive 4 #01-11 Tel: 6585 8420 |
| Toa Payoh Polyclinic 2003 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 | Queenstown Polyclinic 580 Stirling Road Tel: 6471 9535 |
| Woodlands Polyclinic 10 Woodlands St 31 | Tampines Polyclinic 1 Tampines St 41 Tel: 6786 8516 |
| Yishun Polyclinic 100 Yishun Central | SengKang Polyclinic 2 Sengkang Square #01 - 06 Sengkang Community Hub Tel: 6315 3500 |
What should I do to prepare for a Pap smear?
- Schedule your appointment 2 weeks after the start of your period
- Avoid having sexual intercourse 48 hours before the test
- Do not use spermicides, vaginal creams, lubricant jellies, vaginal medications or tampons 48 hours before the test
- Wear a two-piece outfit as you will need to undress from the waist down
What happens during the Pap smear?
A doctor or a nurse will carry out the Pap smear. A speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to see your cervix and a small soft brush is used to collect some cells from your cervix. Tissue cells will then be sent to the laboratory for further processing and examination under the microscope.
Under the CervicalScreen Singapore (CSS) programme, when can I get my Pap smear results?
Under the subsidised screening programme, you will get your results within four weeks. If your Pap smear results are normal, a letter will be sent to you to inform you of your result. If your results are abnormal, your nurse or doctor will call you back to discuss with you the further tests that you may need. If you do not get your results after four weeks, please contact the clinic you have attended to enquire about your results.
What does an abnormal result mean?
It means that changes have been found in the cells of your cervix. This may not necessarily be cancer. You are encouraged to follow up with your doctor to find out if you need any further tests.
Click here for more information on Cervical Cancer.
Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions on Cervical Cancer.
1Singapore Cancer Registry Interim Report. Trends in Cancer Incidence in Singapore. 2004-2008.
