Age-of-Diagnosis Trends for Key Cancers over Past 10 Years and Reviewing Subsidised Screening Age Thresholds for Younger Singaporeans

28 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the trend in age-of-diagnosis for colorectal, breast, lung and stomach cancers among Singapore residents over the past 10 years; (b) whether the refresh by the Screening Test Review Committee 2026 explicitly reviewed these age-of-diagnosis trends; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider lowering subsidised screening age thresholds in light of rising incidence among Singaporeans below current threshold ages.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Between 2013 to 2023, the median age at which individuals were diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung and stomach cancer has increased for all four cancers.

The Screening Test Review Committee in consultation with relevant clinical experts considers local epidemiological data, the available evidence for effectiveness of specific screening tests and relevant international and local guidelines in developing its recommendations.

The Ministry of Health's screening policies take reference from these recommendations.