Screening For Colorectal Cancer
For over 20 years, SCS has been proud to distribute more than 1 million Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits directly to the public as part of the nation’s fight against colorectal cancer.
In 2025, we transitioned out of this role under guidance by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as part of the national Healthier SG Strategy.
While SCS no longer distributes FIT kits, you can now collect them through your Healthier SG healthcare provider, subject to your screening eligibility.
If you are already enrolled under Healthier SG, simply ask your family doctor about being screened. More details on how to enrol in Healthier SG are in the FAQs below.*
SCS remains committed to early cancer detection and support. Find out about our SCS Clinic @ Bishan which offers cervical screenings and mammograms at no cost to eligible individuals.
*Kindly note that doctor consultation and screening test fees may apply.
For enquiries regarding Healthier SG FIT kits, please visit www.healthiersg.gov.sg/contact-us
Who should screen for colorectal cancer?
Men and women aged 50 and above are recommended to do a Faecal Immunchemical Test (FIT) once every year or a colonoscopy once every 5-10 years.
How do I do a FIT?
- Collect your FIT kit from your Healthier SG provider.
- The FIT kit will contain specific instructions on how to collect your stool sample for the test. You will need to collect 2 stool samples over 2 days for an accurate result.
- Once you have collected your stool samples, return your FIT kit to the same clinic that you collected it from.
What happens after I return my FIT kit to the clinic?
You will receive your FIT results 1 to 2 weeks after the test is done. Your HPV test result will indicate whether the test is positive or negative.
A positive result (abnormal) just means that blood has been detected in your stool. It does not mean that you have cancer.
Your doctor will advise you on which tests you should go for to get a diagnosis.
FAQS
What is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (also sometimes known as FIT) is a simple, non-invasive test used to screen for early signs of colorectal cancer.
It works by detecting small traces of blood in your stool that are not visible to the naked eye, which may be an early warning sign of cancer.
Why has SCS stopped distributing FIT Kits?
Under the national Healthier SG strategy by MOH, health screening—including colorectal screening—is now anchored with your family doctor to ensure proper follow up on screening results. FIT Kits are now consolidated and distributed by Healthier SG clinics.
Where can I collect a FIT Kit now?
If you are enrolled in Healthier SG, contact your enrolled Healthier SG clinic to ask about your eligibility for a subsidised FIT kit.
If you are not enrolled in Healthier SG, contact your Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP to enquire about subsidised FIT kit collection.
For enquiries regarding Healthier SG FIT kits, please visit www.healthiersg.gov.sg/contact-us
How does this change benefit me?
This shift allows your family doctor to support your health more personally. Your family doctor can guide you along the screening process, from assessing your individual risk to explaining the results and promptly arranging for follow-up tests or specialist referrals, if required. This applies to all recommended screening, namely colorectal cancer, cardiovascular risk, breast, and cervical cancer screening.
It’s part of our nation's move toward preventive care and to better support every individual's health.
How do I enrol in Healthier SG? Is there a step-by-step guide?
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 40 and above are invited via SMS to enrol with a Healthier SG clinic.
There are two ways you can enrol in Healthier SG:
1. Enrol in Healthier SG via HealthHub
- Eligible residents will receive an SMS invitation from MOH to enrol.
- If you don’t already have the HealthHub app, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Login to HealthHub using Singpass and click on Healthier SG banner.
- Select your user profile.
- Click on ‘Enrol to Healthier SG’ button.
- Choose your preferred Healthier SG clinic and make an appointment for your first Health Plan consultation.
- Complete an Onboarding Questionnaire before you see your doctor.
2. Alternatively, you may approach our Healthier SG Enrolment Stations (see https://gowhere.gov.sg/healthiersg for locations) for assistance.
How do I know which is the nearest Healthier SG clinic? How do I know if my GP is participating in Healthier SG?
You may search for the nearest Healthier SG clinic at https://gowhere.gov.sg/healthiersg
Simply enter your postal code or name of clinic to search.
Will there be any cost for consultation fees & FIT kits from now on?
If you are a Singapore citizen:
- Enrolled in Healthier SG: The FIT kits, screening consultation, and follow-up consultation (if required) will be fully subsidised at your enrolled Healthier SG clinic (GP or polyclinic), if you fulfil the screening eligibility criteria.
- Not enrolled in Healthier SG: If you fulfil screening eligibility criteria under the national screening programme, you will be able to collect FIT kits from your CHAS GP and pay $0, $2 or $5 for the FIT kits, screening consultation, and follow-up consultation (if required), depending on your CHAS, PG and /or MG card status.
If you are a Permanent Resident (PR):
- Enrolled in Healthier SG: The cost of screening test will be advised by the clinic and screening consultation will be as charged by the clinic.
- Not enrolled in Healthier SG: If you meet the screening eligibility criteria, the clinic will inform you of the screening test rates and prevailing consultation charges.
At polyclinics, the cost of FIT test for all non-enrolled Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents is subject to prevailing charges.
Summary of costs for FIT tests, screening consultation and follow-up consultation, if required
What other support can SCS offer me?
SCS is deeply committed to early cancer detection and support.
We continue to offer cervical and breast screening at no cost to eligible individuals at our SCS Clinic @ Bishan.
We also raise awareness on the importance of cancer screening, conduct free health talks and community programmes, and help individuals understand available cancer screening options.
If you are unsure about how to start your screening journey, email us at [email protected]
or call our helpline at 1800-727-3333 (Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am – 6pm).
How do I know if I am eligible for a FIT kit?
You are eligible for a FIT kit if you are:
- A Singaporean or Permanent Resident
- Aged 50 or above
- Have not done a FIT screening in the last 12 months
- Have not done a Colonoscopy in the last 10 years, or otherwise advised by doctor
- No gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. change in bowel habits, unexplained bloatedness, incomplete emptying of bowel, persistent abdominal pain, or presence of lump in abdomen)
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that examines the entire large intestine.
It works by using a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera that is inserted into the anus.
The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed by a specialist.
It allows direct visualisation of the colon lining and enables removal of any abnormal polyps during the same procedure.