Age Milestones – Medical Checks

Any person of any age group is at risk of illness. With this in mind, it’s worth remembering the major ones at various milestones in life that you should get yourself checked out for.

Naturally, we begin to think increasingly often about our health as we grow older, but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t become a lifelong habit, ensuring that you stand the best chance of identifying any ailments as early as possible. Here are some of the tests you should take over the decades:

In your twenties

You have your whole life ahead of you, so start out on the right foot for keeping tabs on conditions such as:

Cervical Cancer

Recommended at the age of twenty-five, it’s wise to attend your Cervical Screening or pap test appointment to identify any abnormalities. Any woman experiencing symptoms such as abnormal bleeding should go and see their GP as soon as possible.

Testicular Cancer

Regular checks of your testicles should be made for lumps, hardness, abnormalities or pain. It’s easier to do so routinely after a bath or shower when the skin is soft. Any of the aforementioned abnormalities should be reported immediately to a GP.

In your thirties and forties

Cardiovascular Disease

Often overshadowed by cancer awareness, it’s important not to forget about the health of your heart. A simple fifteen-minute test with your GP will cover your lifestyle, such as exercise, smoking and diet, a fasting blood test for glucose and cholesterol and, a weight check.

Regular checks are recommended, with reports of any concerns or symptoms made to your GP should you have any worries.

Diabetes

Diabetes can be tested for in a variety of ways (like blood or urine tests), and you should keep an eye on it once you hit forty (or earlier – as always – if you have any concerns.)

Melanoma/Skin Cancer

Often resulting from excess sun exposure – make sure to protect yourself accordingly from the weather, including hats, sleeves, and sunscreen. Keep an eye out for moles growing in size or becoming irregular or abnormal in shape or colouration. Monitor your body regularly for changes and report concerns to your GP.

In your fifties and sixties

Bowel Cancer

Anyone in their fifties and sixties should have a regular bowel cancer screening test every two years. Tests can be done at home, and identification can save lives.

Breast Cancer

Women are recommended to attend mammograms every two years from the ages of fifty, though younger women can request them if they or their GP have any concerns. Men can also get breast cancer and are encouraged to keep an eye on their own chests for any abnormalities, including lumps, bumps and unexplained pain.

Bone Density

Menopausal women are advised to undertake a bone density check, which is a simple scan that usually checks around the hips and the spine.

Ovarian Cancer

Women over fifty are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. If you have any concerns, abnormalities, or have a history of it in the family, speak to your GP should you have any concerns.

Prostate Cancer

The risk of prostate cancer is higher amongst older men, so it is advised that screening be undertaken regularly to monitor for any warning signs. As with most conditions, early detection and treatment offer the best chance of survival.

Further Reading

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer – Cancer Research UK

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you have a case to escalate for Medical Negligence, missed, late or wrong diagnosis that has resulted in loss of health or resources, contact us for a free initial consultation regarding your matter by email, one of the methods on this page, or alternatively – call 0113 200 9787.