LIFESTYLE

Welcome to 30. Here are the key health checks you need

21 September, 2022 . 0

Now you’re 30 – sure, you’re still young and fancy-free, but it is time to get on top of a few key health checks to help you stay in good order.

Let’s face it: no one likes going to the doctor.

But we all know that detecting a health issue early gives us more treatment options and a better chance of a positive outcome.

Only 52 per cent of Aussies can say they are up-to-date with the health checks recommended for their age group.

This figure is “concerning”, according to Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia president Dr Lawrie Bott, who says the implication of missed checks can be “very serious”.

Research by the RCPA reveals 42 per cent of Australians are not aware of the health checks that are recommenced for their age group.

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Keep your health on track by visiting your GP and familiarising yourself with what’s available, says Dr Karen Price, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

“There are different health checks that GPs will consider for people once they turn 30, including blood pressure, skin checks, sexual health checks, contraceptive checks, diabetes risk, relationship check-ups, men’s health and kidney health,” Dr Price explains.

“A patient may also have concerns about their mental health and wellbeing, and a GP can provide a mental health check and assessment plan if required.”

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Health checks you need once you’ve turned 30

When it comes to detecting life-threatening conditions, these are the main health checks people aged 30 experts recommend.

Cholesterol

Also known as a lipid profile, this pathology test monitors the levels of fats in the blood and tells you if you’re at risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Blood pressure

This super-easy test can be done in less than a minute to ensure your heart health is in good nick.

Blood glucose

Measuring the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, this test identifies if you’re at risk or have diabetes.

Skin checks

People over 30 need to keep an eye out for skin cancers and potentially deadly melanomas, advises SunSmart head Emma Glassenbury.

“Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas,” Emma says.

“If you notice anything unusual, including any new spots or change in shape, colour or size of a spot, visit your doctor as soon as possible.”

Cervical screenings

These are essential every five years for women and people with a cervix over 30, according to Kate Broun, head of screening immunisation and early detection at the Cancer Council Victoria.

“The cervical screening test looks for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes almost all cervical cancers,” Kate says.

Breast check

Kate says women of all ages should be breast aware, “which means they know the normal look and feel of their breasts”.

Look for new lumps or thickening, nipple soreness or any change in the shape of the nipple.

And, once you turn 50, get a screening every two years.

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How genetic testing could be a life saver

These days, science is so advanced that people at a high risk of having faulty genes can have genetic tests to see if they might have a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

While not absolutely foolproof, these tests are being hailed as a game changer in the early-detection field.

In Australia, Monash University is leading a world-first DNA-screening pilot study and is looking for people to take part.

To find out more, click here.