In the New Year, when you’re thinking about the goals and resolutions you want to achieve, it is the perfect time to get some health checks, checked off the list. Here are just some of the routine medical exams you should get yourself booked in for and have likely been putting off.
Eye test
A sight test is so much more than a check of your vision. In addition to checking for glaucoma, a condition that puts pressure on the optic nerve and can lead to loss of sight if left unchecked, a routine examination can also help to spot brain tumours, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and thyroid eye disease. If it’s been more than 2 years since your last check up, even if you don’t notice a change in your vision, it’s worth getting yourself booked in.
If there is a history of glaucoma in a close blood relative, you may be entitled to a free sight test each year!
Dental exam
Your dentist is doing much more than a surface check of your teeth. As well as checking for tooth decay and gum disease, they’re also examining the soft tissues; checking the thyroid, lymph nodes, and glands, including the parotid gland, for signs of inflammation, ulceration, swelling or lumps to see if there is an indication of cancer, or underlying health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Gingivitis, for example, a common form of gum disease, can increase your risk of heart disease and even strokes.
As they keep a detailed record of your teeth, and overall health, they can spot any concerning changes with each visit and help you to prevent serious disease.
You should be getting your teeth checked at least once a year, but if you have signs of concern, your dentist may recommend an exam every 6 months.
Cervical smear
A cervical screening, a smear test, helps to prevent 7 in 10 cervical cancer diagnoses. It is a free routine test* offered to anyone with a cervix.
What they check for: A swab of cells from your cervix is sent off to be screened for signs of high-risk HPV (thought to cause 99.97% of cervical cancers) and if the sample is positive for any of these strains, the cells are then checked for any abnormalities. As about 8 in 10 people may have HPV at some point in their lives (without any noticeable symptoms), and it can remain dormant but reactivate years later, it is paramount that you keep up with your routine appointments to spot any changes.
From the age of 25, you’ll generally be invited for a screening every 3 years, from 50-64, you’ll be invited every 5 years, and from 65+ invited for a screening only if the results from your last smear reported an abnormality. However, your health or family health history may mean you’re invited more frequently. If you’re unsure, contact your health provider to see if it is time for your smear test.
Breast screening
Mammograms are breast screenings offered to women aged between 50 and 70* to test for any early signs of breast cancer. The screening involves placing your breasts, one at a time, into a specially designed x-ray machine that takes images of the breast at different angles to look for any small bumps or changes that may not be felt through the skin.
Screenings are free and you’re likely to be invited every 3 years. If you’ve not received your invitation yet, speak to your GP.
Medicine review
If you’re on any long-term medication, including contraception, but haven’t seen a nurse or GP for a review in a while, book yourself in. With increased pressures on GP services right now, it may be that you’ve slipped through the net. However, these check-ups are important to ensure they are meeting your needs and not causing any adverse effects. Some medications require routine blood pressure monitoring, others need to have blood screenings, some medications can become ineffective over time so may need to find something more suitable. If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, speak to the surgery to see what they’d recommend.
Mole mapping
Cases of skin cancer are on the rise, with 9 in 10 said to be preventable. As melanoma can develop from both new and existing moles and freckles, it’s important to track changes in your skin. If you’re someone who has a lot of moles, this can be difficult to keep track of. Mole mapping is a full body review of your moles, looking for any that are visually abnormal and outlining a record which will act as a reference point for the future checks, ensuring any risks or concerns are caught early.
Total health check
From 40 years of age, you can have a free NHS health check every 5 years. This MOT, if you like, takes a look at your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. In addition to checking your blood pressure, BMI, your cholesterol, and sugar levels, you will receive personalised lifestyle advice to help you prevent, or obtain an early diagnosis of the common causes of preventable deaths in the UK.
If you’re under 40, or want to have a health check within the 5 years, you can book a Full Health Check with Lloyds Pharmacy for £30.
*At any age, it is important to discuss any changes or concerns with your GP who may refer you to specialist services for early or additional screenings.
