There are some health checks all women should make regularly at home, and some routine tests that should be offered through the NHS. They’re all vital to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can affect women at different ages and stages. Here’s a guide to how to self-check and what should be available when.
By Hilary Pereira
Breast check
Every woman should check her breasts and armpits for lumps each mo
Cervical smear
Every woman aged 25-64 who is registered with a GP should be invited for a free cervical smear test every three years to the age of 49 and every five years t
Dental checks
We should all visit our dentists regularly for a dental and oral health check and, in some cases, to have our teeth descaled and cleaned by a dental hygienist
Eye test
Everyone should have an eye test every two years – or more frequently if advised by an optician.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is very common, affecting about a third of the population.
Cholesterol test
Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid and is vital for the normal functioning of the body.
BMI check
Having a healthy BMI (body mass index) puts you at less of a risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers and chronic illness such as diabetes and hypertension.
Free NHS health check
If you’re aged between 40 and 74, you’re entitled to a free NHS health check to find out if you are at risk of heart disease, stroke, type
Bowel cancer testing
If you’re aged 60-69 and are registered with a GP, you’ll automatically be sent an invitation for bowel cancer screening. If you’re over 70, you
Osteoporosis
One in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone, mainly because of poor bone health.