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, 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 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
Blood sugar
Breast health
Bladder & bowel health
Sexual health
Skin health
Eyes, ears & dental health
Mental & emotional health
Fertility
Immunisation review
Why: Make sure it's not too high
Normal: 120/80mmHG
How often: Every 2 years
Why: Measure the best weight for your health
Normal: 20-25
How often: Every 2 years
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
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 three years
Why: To check for changes that may indicate breast cancer
When: From your 20s onwards
How often: Every month
Why: Screening for bowel cancer
When: As advised, if you have a family history of bowel cancer
How often: As your doctor advises
Why: Screening for STIs
When: Before a new relationship, or if a recent change in partner
How often: As required
Why: Screening for chlamydia (STI)
When: If you are sexually active
How often: Every year, ages 15-29
Why: Screening for skin cancer
When: If you are 20-40
How often: Every year
Why: To test vision and retina health
When: If you are 20-40
How often: Every 2 years
Why: To look for tooth decay and gum disease
When: If you are 20-40
How often: Every year
Why: To test for anxiety, depression
When: If you are experiencing symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability or sadness
How often: As needed
Why: To look 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: At risk of chest infection and prior to pregnancy
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.
