Regular health checks and screenings, in combination with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can help to prevent disease or illness. Recommendations are made for how often you should have a blood pressure, 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 require to maintain your health.
Heart & cardiovascular health
Ovaries & uterus health
Blood sugar
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: Less than 130/80mmHG
How Often: Every 2 years
Why: Measure the best weight for your health
Normal: 20-25
How Often: Every 2 years
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 2 years
Why: Screening for bowel cancer
When: If you have a family history of bowel cancer
How Often: As your doctor advises
Why: Screening for STIs
When: Before a new partner, or with a change of partner
How Often: As required
Why: Screening for chlamydia (STI)
When: If you are sexually active
How Often: Every year
Why: Screening for skin cancer
When: From 18 years onwards
How Often: Every year
Why: Testing vision and retina health
When: If you are under 20
How Often: Every 2 years
Why: Testing for tooth decay and gum disease
When: If you are under 20
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: If you have:
How Often: Every year for flu
Why: To protect children from the human papillomavirus (HPV) in adulthood and reduce their risk of cervical, penile, anal and throat cancer.
When: Vaccination Program is administered free through school-based programs to girls and boys aged 12-13.
How Often: Two injections in the upper arm 6-12 months apart. Girls and boys aged up to 19 who are not in the eligible school year levels can also obtain two vaccine doses for free from their local immunisation provider or doctor as part of the ongoing program. Those aged 15 or older at the time of their first vaccination require three doses for best protection.
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.
