Health checks
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Regular health checks can prevent many diseases and catch others before it's too late to change their course. Some health checks and screening tests can help prevent serious illness like cancer. See your doctor.
- Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat.
- Cancer screening
The aim of cancer screening is to find cancer in its early stages.
- Health checks for men
Men should see their doctor for regular medical check-ups.
- Health checks for women
A woman at high risk of a particular disease should be checked more frequently and/or at an earlier age.
- Regular health checks
Regular health checks can help you identify any early signs of health issues.
- Dental checks for young children
Children should have an oral health check by the time they turn two.
- Health checks for men
Men should see their doctor for regular medical check-ups.
- Health checks for women
A woman at high risk of a particular disease should be checked more frequently and/or at an earlier age.
- Newborn bloodspot screening
Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for the rare medical conditions of phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Allergy testing
Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction.
- Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age.
- Breast screening
Information on breast screening - who is eligible for free breast screens and when, and how to arrange a mammogram (breast screen) in Victoria.
- Cervical screening
Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening (every 5 years). Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.
- ECG test
A doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram for patients who may be at risk of heart disease because of family history, smoking, overweight, diabetes or other conditions.
- Eye tests
Regular eye tests or check-ups detect problems early, so you can have early treatment to minimise any permanent damage to your eyes.
- Genetic testing for inherited cancer
A predisposition to certain cancers can be inherited via altered genes.
- Hearing tests
A ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus), or people complaining that you talk too loudly are signs you may need to have your hearing checked.
- Blood pressure
Healthy eating and lifestyle changes can help to manage high blood pressure.
- Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat.
- Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) offers kits for free to Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age.
- Breast awareness
Women should become familiar with the normal look, feel and shape of their breasts, so they will notice any abnormal changes.
- Cancer screening
The aim of cancer screening is to find cancer in its early stages.
- Cervical screening
Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening (every 5 years). Cervical cancer screening is recommended for women or people with a cervix (25 to 74 years) who have been sexually active.
- Chronic illness
A chronic or long term illness means the person has to adjust to the demands of the illness and the therapy used to treat the condition.
- Eye tests
Regular eye tests or check-ups detect problems early, so you can have early treatment to minimise any permanent damage to your eyes.
- Hearing tests
A ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus), or people complaining that you talk too loudly are signs you may need to have your hearing checked.
- Heart attack and stroke – calculating your risk score
As part of a Heart Health Check, your doctor will calculate your cardiovascular disease risk score. Your risk score estimates your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.
- Heart disease - know your risk
Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history and age.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Preparing for a health or medical appointment
Get the most out of your consultation by preparing for your health or medical appointment.
- Reduce your risk of early death
You can dramatically reduce your risk of early death by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
- Regular health checks
Regular health checks can help you identify any early signs of health issues.
- Stroke risk and prevention
Everyone can reduce their risk of having a stroke by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
- Talking with your doctor
To get the most out of the conversation with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider, it is best to be open about providing information and to speak up if you don?t understand.
- Testicular self examination
Men with an increased risk of testicular cancer should regularly examine their testicles for unusual lumps or swellings.
- Heart attack and stroke – calculating your risk score
As part of a Heart Health Check, your doctor will calculate your cardiovascular disease risk score. Your risk score estimates your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 5 years.
- Managing your health
You can manage your health by learning about healthy living, taking steps to prevent disease and having regular health checks with your doctor.
- Talking with your doctor
To get the most out of the conversation with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider, it is best to be open about providing information and to speak up if you don?t understand.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022