Regular health checks and screenings, in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can assist in the prevention of disease or illness. Recommendations are made for how often you should have a blood pressure, cholesterol, Cervical Screening Test, blood sugar, breast, skin and immunisation review.
Below is a list of the tests you should consider having. We have briefly listed what you are testing for, why you need to test and when to test; and for heart and cardiovascular health, the healthy limits for women.
The government offers a '45-49-year-old health check' – a once-only check with your doctor for those at risk of developing a chronic disease.
The complete range of medical checks and screening procedures required throughout life will vary for every person, depending on individual risks, medical background and family history. Talk to your doctor about what tests you require to maintain your health.
Heart & cardiovascular health
Ovaries & uterus health
Blood sugar
Breast health
Bladder & bowel health
Sexual health
Bone health
Skin health
Eyes, ears & dental health
Mental & emotional health
Fertility
Immunisation review
Why: To check it's not too high
Normal: 130/80 mmHG
How often: Every 2 years, then every year after you turn 50
Why: To check it's not too high
Normal: Below 6.0
How often: Every 5 years, unless at higher risk, then maybe every 1 or 2 years
Why: To measure the best weight for your health
Normal: 20-25
How often: Every 2 years, then every year after you turn 50
Why: The Cervical Screening Test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause changes to cells in your cervix, which in rare cases can develop into cervical cancer
When: Between the ages of 25 and 74
How often: Your first Cervical Screening Test is due two years after your last Pap test. After that, you will need to have the test only every five years if your results are normal
Why: Screen for changes in the ovary indicating ovarian cancer
When: If you are at risk due to family history, or experiencing symptoms
How often: As your doctor advises
Why: Testing for diabetes
When: If you are overweight, or at risk of diabetes
How often: Every year if at high risk, otherwise every 3 years
Why: To check for changes that may indicate breast cancer
When: From your 20s onwards
How often: Every month
Why: Screening for breast cancer
When: If you are:
How often: Every 2 years
Why: Screening for bowel cancer
When: If you:
How often: Every 2 years
Why: To assess kidney health
When: If you are over 50
How often: Every year
Why: Screening for STIs
When: Before a new partner, or if a change of partner
How often: As required
Why: Screening for osteoporosis
When: If you are over 50
How often: As your doctor advises
Why: Screening for skin cancer
When: If you are 40-60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing vision, macular and retina health
When: If you are 40-60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing for deterioration
When: If you notice any symptoms
Why: Testing for tooth decay and gum disease
When: If you are 40-60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing for anxiety, depression
When: If you are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability or sadness
How often: As needed
Why: Looking for factors that may affect the health of mother or baby
When: If you are looking to become pregnant
How often: When you are thinking of/beginning to try to conceive
Why
When
How often
This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at October 2018.
