Regular health checks and screenings, in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can assist in the prevention and detection 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 '75+ year-old health check' – a free annual health assessment with your doctor for people aged 75 years and over.
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 need to maintain your health.
Heart & cardiovascular health
Ovaries & uterus health
Breast health
Bladder & bowel health
Sexual health
Bone health
Skin health
Eyes, ears & dental health
Blood sugar
Mental & emotional health
Immunisation review
Why: Make sure it's not too high
Normal: Below 130/80 mmHG
How often: Every year
Why: Make sure it's not too high
Normal: Below 6.0
How often: Every 5 years unless at higher risk, then may be every 1 or 2 years
Why: Measure the best weight for your health
Normal: 20-25
How often: Every year
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: Until the age of 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 are experiencing symptoms
How often: As your doctor advises
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: Until you are 74
How often: Every 2 years
Why: Screening for bowel cancer
When: From the age of 50
How often: Every 2 years
Why: To assess kidney health
When: From the age of 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: From the age of 50 or at risk of osteoporosis
How often: Every 2 years
Why: Screening for skin cancer
When: If you are over 60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing vision and eye health
When: If you are over 60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing for deterioration
When: If you are over 60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing for tooth decay and gum disease
When: If you are over 60
How often: Every year
Why: Testing for diabetes
When: If you are over 60
How often: Every year
Why: Checking for signs of dementia
When
How often: Every year over 75
Why: Testing for anxiety, depression
When: If you are experiencing symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability or sadness
How often: As needed
Why
When: If you are at risk, or over 65 or 70
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.
