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Medisave for Breast and Colon Cancer Screening
Starting from 1st July 2011, we will be able to use part of our Medisave to pay for breast and colon cancer screening.
As these two cancers are the number one incidents of cancer for women and men respectively in Singapore, I hope that this new measure will encourage more people to go for the screening.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in Singapore, making up almost 30% of all deaths.
Breast Cancer Screening
It is recommended that women between the ages of 50 to 69 go for regular mammograms every two years to screen against breast cancer.
Under the Medisave300 Scheme, up to $300 from a Medisave account per year can be used to defray the cost of mammograms. The cost of a mammograms is about $100.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
For persons aged 50 and older, they should screen regularly for colorectal cancer through either (a) annual stool analysis using the Faecal Immunohistochemistry Test (FIT), or (b) a screening colonoscopy every ten years.
For those who are fit and are recommended by their doctors to undergo colonoscopy, Medisave can be used to reduce out-of-pocket costs. The withdrawal limit will be pegged at the prevailing withdrawal limit for day surgery procedures, at $950 for colonoscopy, and $300 per day for associated daily hospital charges.
Extending Medisave for Screening Mammograms and Colonoscopies