National Population Health Survey 2025: What The Findings Mean for Cancer Screening in Singapore
- October 6, 2026
- 4 Min Read
Improvements in cancer screening, but participation rates still lag behind screening for chronic diseases
Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) welcomes the latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) 2025 findings, which were released by the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board.
The survey shows encouraging improvements in participation across national cancer screening programmes, with year-on-year increases in the participation rates for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers. The gains reflect the continued efforts of healthcare providers, policymakers, and community partners in support of Singapore’s Healthier SG movement.
Table 1: Screening Participation Rates for Cancer Among Eligible Singapore Residents Between 2024 and 2025
| Cancer Type | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Cancer | 44.9% | 47.1% |
| Colorectal Cancer | 44.9% | 46.9% |
| Breast Cancer | 35.2% | 40.8% |
Source: National Population Health Survey (NPHS) 2025
Progress Made, But Cancer Screening Gap Remains
While Singapore should be encouraged by this progress, the findings also highlight an important opportunity to close Singapore’s cancer screening gap.
NPHS 2025 shows that preventive health screening has become a habit for many in Singapore. More than 8 in 10 eligible residents participate in screening for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Cancer screening however, has yet to achieve the same level of adoption.
Only around 4 in 10 eligible residents participate in recommended screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, despite the availability of national screening programmes.
Table 2: Crude Screening Participation Rates for Chronic Diseases and Cancer Among Eligible Singapore Residents
| Condition | Crude Screening Participation Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Hypertension | 88.5% |
| Diabetes | 82.5% |
| Hyperlipidaemia | 81.1% |
| Cervical Cancer | 47.1% |
| Colorectal Cancer | 46.9% |
| Breast Cancer | 40.8% |
Source: National Population Health Survey (NPHS) 2025
Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Cancer Society said: “The strong participation rates for chronic disease screening show that preventive health can become a social norm in Singapore. The next frontier is translating that same mindset to cancer screening, where participation is much lower, at less than 50 per cent for eligible populations. We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health, healthcare clusters, and community partners to better understand the barriers that continue to prevent residents from participating in cancer screening, and to support efforts that make screening more accessible, convenient and widely adopted.”
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Singapore with 1 in 4 residents at risk of developing cancer by 75. While cancer screening participation is improving, rates remain lower compared to those seen in OECD countries, some of which have achieved screening coverage levels of between 60 to 70 per cent, or higher.
From Awareness to Action
Singapore Cancer Society believes the challenge goes beyond awareness alone.
Dr Priyanka Rajendram, clinical head of cancer prevention and control, Singapore Cancer Society, said: “The NPHS 2025 findings reveal that the leading reason for not participating in all three cancer screenings was: “Not necessary as I am healthy.” This reflects a common misconception and points to a critical need to strengthen health literacy. Cancer screening is intended for those who “feel” well because many cancers may not present symptoms for years. Screening can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear, creating opportunities for timely treatment and improved outcomes.”
Other individuals may avoid or delay screening because they are worried about a cancer diagnosis, or because screening is perceived as inconvenient, uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to access.
To improve participation rates, Singapore should continue to address the practical and emotional barriers that prevent people from taking action. This means strengthening public education, reducing fear and stigma, and making cancer screening more accessible and convenient for the community.
SCS Committed to Expanding Access to Cancer Screenings
Singapore Cancer Society supports initiatives that bring screening closer to people and reduce barriers to participation.
For example, SCS now offers HPV self-sampling at SCS Clinic @ Bishan, providing women a more private and convenient option for cervical cancer screening alongside conventional PAP or HPV tests.
The clinic also offers mammography at no cost to women from age 40 who hold CHAS Blue or Orange cards, helping to improve access to breast screening among underserved groups.
SCS will continue working with healthcare and community partners to make screenings more accessible to the community, particularly among underserved and under-screened populations.
“The encouraging improvements in NPHS 2025 show that progress is possible and that Singaporeans believe in preventive screening. The next step is ensuring that cancer screening becomes just as routine, accessible and accepted as other forms of preventive health screening,” said Mr Tan.