Your health checks and screening

It’s a good idea to see your doctor for a regular health check even if you are currently feeling fit and healthy.

Regular health checks and screening tests can help you to stay healthy by:

• finding health problems at an early stage before they develop into more serious conditions
• helping to prevent and detect serious illness like cancer in the early stages, which gives you the best chance of successful treatment.

If you have a family history of a certain disease or other risk factors, regular health checks and screening tests are even more important. Talk to your GP about having a regular health check.

To find a GP in your local area visit the National Health Services Directory or SA Health's hospitals and health services page.

Screening tests recommended for women include:

The cervical screening test replaced the PAP smear/test in 2017. This new test is more reliable than the PAP test and only needs to be done every five years. Self collection is a new option for people with a cervix, who are over 30 years old and whose last cervical screen was 4 or more years ago (or those who have never had a cervical screen).

BreastScreen SA provides free screening mammograms (breast X-rays) every two years to South Australian women. Breast screening is recommended for women aged 50 to 74 who have no symptoms of breast cancer.

Women aged 40 to 49 and over 75 years can also make an appointment for a free breast screen but, are encouraged to speak with their doctor when deciding if breast screening is right for them.

Mammograms detect breast cancer at an early stage, before it can be felt. Early detection can increase the options for simpler treatments and more successful outcomes.

This is a free test for people aged 50-74 years which is mailed to your home every two years. Screening for bowel cancer can save lives by finding bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat and cure.

People aged 45 to 49 can join the program and screen for free also. You can request your first free kit by submitting an online form or calling 1800 627 701. All eligible people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a kit.

What happens if I get a positive result?

• blood pressure
• cholesterol levels
• blood glucose
• skin check
• weight and waist circumference check

This is a free test for people aged 50-74 years which is posted to your home every two years. Screening for bowel cancer can save lives by finding bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat and cure. People aged 45 to 49 can join the program and screen for free also. You can request your first free kit by submitting an online form or calling 1800 627 701. All eligible people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a kit.

What happens if I get a positive result?

• blood pressure
• cholesterol levels
• blood glucose
• skin check

In addition to the health checks listed above, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to have an annual health check to help identify potential illnesses before they occur. The “715 Health Check” is free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing clinics.