The substantial majority of women in Singapore are failing to undertake critical cancer screening tests, according to a recent study commissioned by medical case managers Medix. The research shows just 37% of local women are conducting regular pap smears or breast mammography examinations.

The results, which are being highlighted on International Women’s Day demonstrate a worrying lack of awareness about the importance of regular screening.

Women in Singapore are significantly less likely to receive regular pap or breast examinations than women in other advanced economies such as the United States, Australia and Korea.

According to OECD data, women in the United States are more than twice as likely to receive regular tests, with 79.5% of American women receiving regular breast examinations and 83.3% conducting regular pap tests.

Medix Global Medical Director, Professor David Zeltser says these results are alarming and highlight the need for better education and awareness about the importance of regular screening.

“Preventative screenings are an investment in good health.  Regular Pap testing is the most important thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer, because they can detect precancerous cells which can be treated before cancer ever develops,” Prof Zeltser said.

“Similarly, breast mammograms can find cancers as small as a grain of rice before you or your doctor can feel any changes in your breasts. Early detection saves lives because breast cancer treatment works best when the cancer is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body.”

Medix CEO, Sigal Atzmon says that International Women’s Day provides a good opportunity for governments and the medical community to get serious about improving education and awareness about the importance of critical tests.

“The evidence around the world is overwhelming; the more money that governments spend on preventative health, the more lives they save,” she said.

Ms Atzmon called on policy makers to boost funding for awareness programs and ensure that women of all income levels have equitable access to regular health checks.

“I would urge all women in Singapore to speak to their doctor and get advice about how regularly you should be receiving pap tests and breast examinations,” Ms Atzmon concluded.

Established in 2006, Medix is a global and leading provider of innovative, high quality, medical management solutions. With offices in London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Tel Aviv, and a client base exceeding 3 million members in over 90 countries, Medix offers its clients -- primarily global health & life insurers, financial groups, large corporates and government institutions -- significant value-added services in the world of healthcare. Medix’ team is comprised of 300 inhouse doctors alongside nurses, research experts, medical admin teams and a quality accredited global network of over 3,000 specialists and 1,500 leading hospitals.