Preventative Health Checks in Perth You Shouldn’t Skip

Persistent tiredness, a new mole, or that shortness of breath after climbing stairs… These warning signs are easy to ignore. But they signal treatable problems like undiagnosed high blood pressure, rising blood sugar, or early-stage cancer. If left unchecked, these quietly growing issues become major health crises.

Preventative health checks in Perth and timely health screening turn those warning signs into action. The right tests at the right time catch problems early, simplify treatment, and dramatically improve outcomes.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about health assessment in Perth. We’ll cover what tests to book at every age, how often to check in, and how Main Street Medical Centre can help.

Keep reading to learn how to stay ahead of health issues before they become emergencies.

Why Preventative Health Checks in Perth Matter & How They Save Lives

Regular preventative health checks help catch these problems early before they escalate into emergencies. Early detection means simpler treatment, better outcomes, and lower healthcare costs over time.

Health experts emphasize these checks: as Cancer Council advises that cancer screening saves live. Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer. For example, breast and bowel cancer screening programs in Australia are proven life-savers: women 50–74 should have breast screening every two years. And all eligible adults 45–74 are invited to do a free bowel cancer screening test every two years.

Even Perth clinics stress a strong emphasis on preventative health care for disease prevention.

Preventative Health Checks by Age & Stage

Preventative health isn’t one-size-fits-all. As you move through life, different screenings become more important. Use this guide to make sure no check-up is missed at each age range.

18–30 Years Old Health Preventative Checks

• Sexual and Reproductive Health: If you are sexually active, get regular STI tests (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea) and discuss contraceptive options or preconception plans with your GP.
• HPV & Vaccines: Ensure you’ve had the HPV vaccine (catch-up is available up to age 26). And review other vaccines like hepatitis or meningococcal if missed in childhood.
• Mental Health Screening: Young adults face stress, anxiety, or depression. Studies show 1 in 5 Aussies will have a mental health condition each year. Be honest with your doctor about mood or substance use; a mental health questionnaire can spot issues early.
• Lifestyle Advice: Discuss diet, exercise, smoking/alcohol habits, and aim to establish healthy routines now.

31–50 Years Old Health Assessment

• Blood Pressure: By age 30+, you should have your blood pressure checked at least yearly. Australians should start routine blood pressure screening from 18 years old (at least every 2 years, or more often if high risk).
• Cholesterol: From age 45, men and women should have cholesterol and lipids tested every 3–5 years. If you have risk factors or family history, test even sooner. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are advised to start checks as early as 30. It’s because cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors, such as diabetes, manifest 10 to 20 years earlier than in non-Indigenous Australians,
• Diabetes Screening: Anyone over 40 should have an annual or biennial blood glucose/HbA1c test if overweight or with risk factors. Screening every 3 years after 40 (annually if high-risk or Aboriginal/TSI) is recommended to catch pre-diabetes or early type 2 diabetes.
• Cervical Screening (for women): If you have a cervix, continue Pap/HPV tests every 5 years between ages 25 and 74. Ensure you book promptly if you’re due or overdue.
• Skin Cancer Check: Australia has very high skin cancer rates. If you have fair skin, many moles, or a history of sun exposure, get a professional skin check annually (or sooner if you notice new/changing spots). Perth’s strong sun makes these checks even more important.

50+ Years Old Health Preventative Checks

• Bowel (Colon) Cancer Screening: All Australians 50–74 are invited to a free home faecal occult blood test every 2 years. Recent updates mean people 45–49 can also request a free kit. Speak to your doctor about organising this screening as catching colon cancer early dramatically improves outcomes.
• Bone Health: After 50, ask your GP about bone density or FRAX assessments, especially if women are post-menopausal or anyone has risk factors (low calcium/vitamin D, family fractures). Prevent fractures by discussing diet, exercise, and scans if indicated.
• Heart/Circulation: Have a cardiovascular risk assessment regularly. Your GP will measure BP, cholesterol, and ask about heart disease risk factors.
• Yearly Vaccines: Get an annual flu shot. Also stay up-to-date on adult boosters (e.g. tetanus every 10 years) and any new vaccines (e.g. COVID boosters if eligible).

Routine Checks Every Adult Should Book (Tests, Frequency & Why)

Even aside from big health assessments, every adult should keep track of basic screenings:

• Blood Pressure (annual): High blood pressure is common and symptomless. Regular checks (at least once a year) help catch hypertension early. If BP is high, your GP can advise lifestyle changes or medication to prevent heart attack or stroke.
• Cholesterol (every 3–5 years): High cholesterol often has no symptoms but raises cardiovascular risk. As mentioned, test every 3–5 years after 45 (more often if you have diabetes, heart disease or family history). If LDL “bad” cholesterol is high, we’ll discuss diet, exercise, and possibly statins.
• Diabetes (based on risk): If you’re overweight or have other risk factors, ask for a blood sugar (HbA1c or fasting glucose) test. Generally, screen every 3 years after 40, or yearly if you’ve had pre-diabetes. Elevated results prompt lifestyle plans and early treatment to avoid complications.
• Mental Health Screen (as needed): Life stress can strike at any time. Our GPs use tools (like depression/anxiety questionnaires) whenever you feel down, anxious, or exhausted. Talk openly like asking “How are you coping?” is all it takes to start. Early support can prevent issues from worsening.
• Skin Check (yearly if at risk): Get any suspicious moles or lesions examined yearly if you’re high-risk (fair skin, family history, many moles). A skin check takes only minutes and can spot melanoma when it’s easiest to treat. Australia has the world’s highest skin cancer rates, so don’t skip this.
• Sexual & Reproductive Health (as needed):
  • For men: prostate conversation (from 50, or earlier if you have history), testicular exam if concerned, and STD testing as needed.
  • For women: breast awareness (mammograms, especially 50+), pelvic health (fertility or menopause issues).

If any test comes back abnormal (e.g. high BP or sugar), your GP will work with you on next steps: further tests, lifestyle programs, specialist referral, or medications. Early action often reverses risks.

Men’s & Women’s Preventative Health Checks

Gender-specific screenings are key. Our Perth doctors ensure both men and women get the advice and tests they need:

• Men’s Health Check: Men often neglect check-ups, but catching issues early is vital. We recommend:
• Cardiovascular checks (BP, cholesterol, heart risk)
• Sexual health review (Erectile dysfunction, libido; STI testing if needed)
• Mental health screening (stress, anxiety, depression)
• Drug and alcohol use discussion
• Prostate cancer discussion/screening (typically from 50, or 45 if family history)
• Testicular exam (especially if you notice lumps or pain)
• Fertility advice (pre-conception planning, sperm health)
• Testosterone deficiency check if symptoms (fatigue, low sex drive)
• Women’s Health Check: We encourage women to talk about:
• Breast health (clinical breast exam and mammograms as recommended)
• Cervical screening (Pap/HPV test every 5 years for ages 25-74)
• Menopause management (hot flushes, bone health)
• Menstrual issues (heavy or irregular periods)
• Fertility advice (preconception vitamins, reproductive planning)
• Sexual health (low libido, pain, STD testing if needed)

Workplace & Occupational Health Checks in Perth: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

Businesses and their teams in Perth should also prioritize health. Occupational health services include:

• Pre-Employment Screens: Many employers in trades, mining, or construction require health checks before hiring. These may test vision, hearing, lung function or drug/alcohol screening to ensure fitness for duty.
• Ongoing Surveillance: For current workers, routine occupational health checks can monitor exposures (e.g. regular lung function for dust or chemical exposure) and general wellbeing.
• On-site Services: We also provide group sessions or on-site clinics for local Perth businesses. This is convenient for busy teams as we bring vaccines or blood-pressure/diabetes checks to your workplace. (Contact us to organise an on-site visit.)

Explore more about our Occupational Health service for more details on arranging staff health assessments. Investing in workplace health checks reduces sick days and boosts productivity.

Vaccinations and Catch-ups: Which Shots You Shouldn’t Miss

Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is a cornerstone of prevention. At any age, be sure to get these core vaccines:

• Influenza: Annual flu shot is recommended for everyone over 6 months old (especially seniors, chronic illness). Perth flu season hits winter so vaccinating yearly cuts your risk of severe flu.
• COVID-19: Follow current guidelines for boosters. Immunocompromised and those 65+ should get boosters as due. Others consult your GP.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Important for young adults if missed in school. Available up to age 26 (some catch-up programs up to 45). Prevents cervical, throat, and other cancers.
• Hepatitis (A, B): Workers in healthcare, childcare, or travel/homelessness may need boosters. Check Hep A/B immunity status.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: Adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years (and include pertussis every 10 years). This is often combined as Tdap.
• Travel Vaccines: Heading overseas? Depending on destination, you may need vaccines like typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, or malaria prophylaxis.
• Other Adult Boosters: Check your immunisation record for measles-mumps-rubella (if born before 1966 or incomplete), and varicella (chickenpox) immunity.

Our Perth clinic has all recommended vaccines. If you’re overdue or planning travel, book a vaccine consult to get an immunisation review in Perth.

Chronic Disease Monitoring: How Regular Checks Help Manage Long-Term Conditions

If you have a chronic condition, regular monitoring is critical. We work with you on chronic disease management plans for:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Regular BP checks guide medication adjustments. A home BP monitor or in-clinic readings every 3–6 months is typical.
• Diabetes: Check HbA1c every 3–6 months to assess blood sugar control. We also screen eyes, kidneys and feet annually for complications.
• COPD/Asthma: Lung function tests (spirometry) at least yearly for chronic lung disease help tailor inhalers and prevent flare-ups.
• Heart Disease: Ongoing cholesterol and ECG monitoring; cardiac rehab referrals.
• Chronic Kidney or Liver Disease: Regular blood and urine tests to monitor organ function.

These reviews are part of our Chronic Disease Management services. By tracking progress and adjusting treatment, we keep chronic conditions under control and reduce hospital visits.

What a GP Preventative Health Check Includes at Main Street Medical Centre

When you come in for a preventative health assessment, our GP will cover all the bases:

Our practice is AGPAL-accredited and follows RACGP preventive care standards, so you can trust the quality. For more details, see our Comprehensive Health services.

Got that uneasy feeling? Don’t wait for the warning lights to flash.

Take Control Now with Presentative Health Checks at Main Street Medical Centre

At our GP-owned clinic, we make preventive care easy. We’re AGPAL-accredited and use evidence-based checklists to cover everything you need.

Let us help you stay healthy and catch issues early.

Our experienced GPs and nurses will guide you through each step. Whether it’s an annual health check or regular full body checkup, we’ve got you covered.

Booking is simple: call us or use our online form.

Call (08) 9349 3555 | Visit us at Osborne Park 6017 WA

Book Your Preventative Health Check Today

FAQs

Q1. What is included in a preventative health check?

A full health assessment typically covers your medical history, blood pressure, weight/BMI, and a thorough physical exam. Your GP will order relevant blood tests (cholesterol, glucose, etc.), discuss lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, alcohol), and review mental, sexual, and vaccination status. You’ll receive personalised advice and referrals as needed.

Q2.  How often should I get a health check?

It depends on your age and health. Generally, adults should have a general check-up at least once a year. Annual checkups are recommended for those over 45. If you have chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, you may need more frequent reviews. Your GP can advise the best schedule for you.

Q3. How long does a health check appointment take?

A standard check-up at our clinic lasts 20 minutes to an hour. It’s a thorough visit, so we allocate extra time to cover all aspects (history, exam, counselling). Remember to arrive a bit early with any paperwork or medication list.

Q4. Can I get vaccinations during my check?

Absolutely. Part of our preventative check is reviewing your immunisations. If you need a flu shot, tetanus booster, or other adult vaccine (COVID, HPV catch-up, etc.), we can administer them right after your exam.

Q5. Do you accept workplace referrals for occupational checks?

Yes. We have an Occupational Health service for businesses. If your employer requires a pre-employment or periodic health screening, we can arrange it quickly. Provide us with the referral or requirements, and we’ll conduct the necessary tests and deliver a report.