The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

I'm approaching a 'milestone' birthday. What health checks should I have at my age?

  • Written by Natasha Yates, Assistant Professor, General Practice, Bond University
I'm approaching a 'milestone' birthday. What health checks should I have at my age?

Haven’t had a health check in a while, or ever?

You’re not alone. Most people wait until they’re sick to see a GP, so there’s not usually much time in a consultation to also talk about preventative health.

So, should you book a check with your GP just to talk about what you can do to stay well? And if so what should you be discussing?

It depends on your life stage.

Doctors won’t check you for everything

It may surprise you there is no evidence[1] that a “general health check-up” will give you better health outcomes.

Some preventive checks in low-risk and otherwise well patients have shown no benefit[2], including some blood tests and imaging investigations, such as whole body CTs or MRIs for cancer screening.

As well as being a waste of your time and money, there is another concern with generic health screening: it may lead to overdiagnosis[3], which results in additional tests, appointments, anxiety, drugs and even operations. Ironically, this can leave you less healthy.

Read more: Health Check: should you get general health check-ups?[4]

This is why doctors don’t “check you for everything”, but are guided by what you personally would benefit from, based on your individual history, as well as which tests have evidence for their benefits outweighing any harms.

One of your doctor’s key considerations will be your age.

Young adults (20–30s)

The main evidence-based screening check for young adults is the cervical screening test[5] for women. This is a five-yearly cervical swab which looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and pre-cancerous cells.

When young women present for their cervical smear test, several other important preventative discussions often take place, including pregnancy prevention or planning.

As young men don’t need an equivalent screening test, they often miss out on the chance to talk about prevention.

Two men at work look at their computers.
Young men might need to be more proactive about seeing a GP in their 20s and 30s. Annie Spratt/Unsplash[6]

Both men and women in this age group should find a GP with whom they feel comfortable discussing STI (sexually transmitted infection) checks, skin cancers, mental health struggles[7] and intimate partner violence.

Even otherwise fit and healthy young adults should consider talking with their GP about what they can do to prevent chronic disease down the track. Health behaviours such as diet, sleep, smoking and exercise levels in young adulthood increase or decrease the risk[8] of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer down the track.

Finally, regular checks from dentists and optometrists can pick up problems early.

40–50 year olds

Despite the adage “life begins at 40”, this is the age at which many of the things that can cause an early death are worth screening for.

Current evidence shows[9] benefits in assessing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and skin cancer.

If you have a higher risk for certain cancers (such as breast or colorectal cancer), then screening for these may start around this age too.

It’s also not too late to improve your longevity with some lifestyle changes so discussing things like losing weight, stopping smoking, and improving your exercise are all important.

Read more: You don't have to be the biggest loser to achieve weight loss success[10]

As with young adults, women should continue getting a cervical smear test every five years.

And everyone should consider getting checked by a dentist and optometrist.

Mental health may deteriorate around this age too, because the strain from looking after children, ageing parents and demanding careers can all come to a head. Input from a psychologist may be helpful.

50–65 year olds

Patients often comment on the 50th “birthday present” they find in the mail: a stool sample collection kit for colorectal cancer screening. While it’s not the highlight of your 50s, it is effective in saving lives[11] through early detection of this cancer, with checks recommended every two years.

Women will also be invited to start mammograms for breast cancer screening every two years[12] (unless they have already started in their 40s, depending on their individual risk).

Women will be screened for a breast cancer, colorectal cancer and osteoporosis. Shutterstock[13]

The third health issue to start screening for in your 50s is osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and your risk of a fracture increases. Osteoporosis is painless and therefore often not discovered until too late. You can start checking your risk for this at home via an online calculator, such as this one[14] from the Garvan Institute.

Oral health and eye checks remain important in this age group as well.

Over-65s

Several immunisations are recommended from the age of 65[15], including shingles and influenza, as your immunity starts to wane and your risk of serious illness increases.

Read more: Vaccination isn't just for kids – a guide for over-65s[16]

Other preventative checks include those for your vision, dental health, hearing, and your risk of falls. These often involve allied health providers who can screen, monitor and treat you as needed.

Some of your other regular screening will stop in your mid-70s, including for colorectal, cervical and breast cancer.

First Nations people

The above age-related recommendations are for those with standard risk factors. First Nations Australians are at higher risk of developing a range of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and certain cancers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may be offered more thorough screening[17], according to a different timeline, with some checks at earlier ages.

Read more: Words from Arnhem land: Aboriginal health messages need to be made with us rather than for us[18]

While annual generic “health checks” aren’t recommended, a conversation with your GP will help you work out your specific health risks and screening needs.

Prevention is better than a cure, so make sure you’re accessing evidence-based screening and preventative strategies that are right for you.

References

  1. ^ no evidence (www.cochranelibrary.com)
  2. ^ shown no benefit (www.racgp.org.au)
  3. ^ overdiagnosis (www.wiserhealthcare.org.au)
  4. ^ Health Check: should you get general health check-ups? (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ cervical screening test (www.health.gov.au)
  6. ^ Annie Spratt/Unsplash (unsplash.com)
  7. ^ mental health struggles (www.vichealth.vic.gov.au)
  8. ^ increase or decrease the risk (www.racgp.org.au)
  9. ^ Current evidence shows (www.racgp.org.au)
  10. ^ You don't have to be the biggest loser to achieve weight loss success (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ effective in saving lives (gut.bmj.com)
  12. ^ breast cancer screening every two years (www.health.gov.au)
  13. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  14. ^ this one (www.knowyourbones.org.au)
  15. ^ recommended from the age of 65 (www.health.gov.au)
  16. ^ Vaccination isn't just for kids – a guide for over-65s (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ more thorough screening (www.racgp.org.au)
  18. ^ Words from Arnhem land: Aboriginal health messages need to be made with us rather than for us (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/im-approaching-a-milestone-birthday-what-health-checks-should-i-have-at-my-age-172047

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping