Health checks that could save your life at 40, 50, 60 and beyond
From age 45 get mammograms; at 50 add bowel screening; at 60 add eye, hearing and bone checks.
GPs recommend an annual health check, ideally on your birthday so it is easy to remember. In your 40s, continue skin and dental checks and start thinking about cancer risk.
From 45, women should begin mammogram screening. In your 50s, mammograms happen every two years, cervical screening every five years, and everyone should screen for bowel cancer every two years.
Check blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk to avoid heart attack and stroke. In your 60s, keep up cancer and heart checks, then add eye tests, hearing checks, bone density screening and assessment for falls risk.
Some screening stops at 74 and 75. For those 75 and over, your GP will weigh your health history and current risks to decide what suits you best.
- Age 45
- Mammogram screening starts
- Age 50
- Bowel screening starts
- Age 60
- Eye and hearing checks start
- Age 74
- Bowel screening ends
Why it mattersRegular screening catches disease when it is easiest to treat, and knowing which checks matter at each age means you spend time and money on tests that actually protect you.
AustraliaAustralian healthcare funds preventive screening through the public system, and following age-based guidelines means you access the right checks at the right time.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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