Time for a check-up?

Physical Health | Article |

Your guide to recommended health checks by age

Want to improve your health and wellbeing this year? If so, have you considered if all your health checks are up to date?

Preventative health screening can be an effective way to identify potential health issues before they become a problem. It can help you take proactive steps to prevent disease, increase longevity and feel your best. However, with so many different screening options available, it can be confusing to know which ones are right for you.

To take the uncertainty out of it, we've put together this guide to help you understand what health screening is all about. Additionally, booking in to see your GP is the best way to know which screening tests are most suitable for you, considering factors such as your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle.

What is health screening?

Screening is a targeted examination that is performed to detect the presence of a specific condition in people who may not yet have symptoms. The goal of screening is to identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely treatment and intervention. The frequency of screening tests depends on various factors, including the specific condition being screened for, age, risk factors and medical guidelines.

Are there specific health screenings by age group?

Certain conditions are more common in different genders, population groups and life stages. For example, cancer can occur at any age and to anyone, but some cancers are more common in specific groups. For example, testicular cancer is most common in men who are 30–34 years old, while the risk of bowel cancer increases after the age of 50 and the risk of lung cancer is higher in people who smoke cigarettes (80–90% of lung cancer deaths are associated with smoking)1–3.

The wide array of health checks and screening available can be confusing. Below, we’ve compiled the check-ups most relevant to age groups. These follow the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) guidelines, which are the accepted standard for high-quality patient care4. It's important to note that while screening tests are a great way to detect early signs of certain health conditions, this list is not exhaustive. If you have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, your GP may recommend additional tests to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Engaging in preventative screening during your 20's and 30's is crucial to proactively detect conditions that can manifest later in life. Examples include testicular and cervical cancers, which can be more effectively managed when identified at an early stage.

Cervical cancer screening

What is it?

Your doctor will take a swab of the cells on your cervix to test for signs of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for most cervical cancers.

Who is eligible for this test?

People between 25 and 75 years old who have a cervix and have had sexual intercourse. 

What is the testing frequency?

Every five years.
 

Mental health check

What is it?

Your doctor will ask about your mood, along with other aspects of your mental health and life more broadly, and, if appropriate, work with you to access therapies to improve your mental health. 

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone!

What is the testing frequency?

Your doctor can advise you about the appropriate frequency, depending on your circumstances. 

Type 2 diabetes check-up

What is it?

Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle related to diabetes risk, and may recommend blood and urine tests.

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone 40 years and older, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 18 years and older.

What is the testing frequency?

Every 3 years – but your doctor may recommend more frequent check-ups if you show early signs or are diagnosed with diabetes.
 

Heart health assessment

What is it?

Your doctor will ask about your heart health and may offer additional tests, like blood tests or an ECG (a trace of your heart’s electrical activity).

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone 45 years and older, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 35 years and older.

What is the testing frequency?

Every 2 years – but your doctor may advise more frequent assessments if you are at a higher risk.
 

Stroke check

What is it?

Your doctor will ask about your health and lifestyle related to your stroke risk and may recommend tests, such as blood tests.

Who is eligible for this test?

People 45 years and older who are at an increased risk of stroke.

What is the testing frequency?

Once a year.

Colorectal cancer screening

What is it?

A free at-home test from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. On completing the test, your result will be mailed to you with recommendations about your next steps.

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone between 50 and 74 years old, although your doctor may recommend earlier screening if you are at a higher risk.

What is the testing frequency?

Every two years.


Breast cancer screening

What is it?

Screening involves free mammogram appointments provided by the BreastScreen Australia Program. A mammogram is a type of X-ray performed on breast tissue, which can help detect breast cancer.

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone between 50 and 74 years old, although your doctor may recommend earlier screening if you are at higher risk.

What is the testing frequency?

Every two years.


Glaucoma assessment

What is it?

This is a vision assessment that specifically tests for glaucoma. 

Who is eligible for this test?

Anyone 50 years and older who is at risk of glaucoma.

What is the testing frequency?

Your doctor or optometrist will advise you about how often you should be tested.


Osteoporosis screening

What is it?

Your doctor will refer you for a bone density scan (this is a type of X-ray that detects your bone density and is also called a DEXA scan) to check for bone thinning that can increase your fracture risk.

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone 50 years and older, or 45 years and older if you are a postmenopausal woman.

What is the testing frequency?

Usually once a year – but your doctor may recommend more frequent assessments. 

Vision and hearing check-up

What is it?

Your doctor will assess your eyesight and hearing to help prevent them from deteriorating as you age.

Who is eligible for this test?

Everyone 65 years and older.

What is the testing frequency?

Once a year. 

 

Are there additional health assessments for at-risk groups?

Certain community groups are at an increased risk of adverse health events, and further services are available to help prevent these. The following resources may be useful, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list and your doctor can provide more information.

Health checks pay off!

Did you know that despite rising rates of diabetes globally, diabetes rates have been falling in Australia – and this is largely due to the quality of health check-ups, preventative screening and patient resources available nationwide9?

To put it simply, health checks and preventative screens work. So no matter what stage of life you’re at, make an appointment to get yours soon.

You can also rest easy knowing that Zurich is here to support you with services including the free My Wellbeing Hub, along with Zurich Evolve and a range of life insurance plans.

References:

1.     Cancer Australia, ‘Testicular cancer’, 2024.

2.     Cancer Council Victoria, ‘Bowel cancer statistics and trends’, 2023.

3.     Cancer Council, ‘Smoking’, 2024.

4.     RACGP: https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/c9b0be76-8320-4f64-b0f8-371ae429a41b/Lifecycle-chart.pdf.aspx

5.     Department of Health and Aged Care, ‘Annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people’, 2022.

6.     Reach Out, ‘LGBTQIA+ support services’, 2023.

7.     Rainbow Health Australia, ‘Rainbow Tick’, 2024.

8.     Services Australia, ‘Refugees and asylum seekers’, 2023.

9.     Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ‘Diabetes: Australian facts’, 2023.