Health Screening Guides for Adults
Evidence-based guides on preventive health check-ups, screening intervals, and what adults actually need to know.
How Often Should Adults Have a Dental Check-Up?
The 'every 6 months' rule for dental check-ups came from a toothpaste ad, not clinical evidence. Guidelines in the UK, US, and Australia now recommend risk-based intervals — from every 12 to 24 months for low-risk adults.
How Often Should Adults Have a Skin Cancer Check?
Most countries don't recommend routine skin cancer screening for the general population — despite it being the most common cancer in many of them. Here's what guidelines say, why Australia has no programme despite the world's highest rates, and who genuinely needs regular checks.
How Often Should Adults Have an Eye Exam?
How often adults need an eye exam depends on age, risk factors, and country. The AAO recommends starting at 40; the USPSTF says evidence is insufficient. Here's what each region's guidance says.
How Often Should Adults Have Their Blood Pressure Checked?
Blood pressure has no symptoms until it's serious. How often you need it checked depends on your age, current readings, and risk factors — and guidelines differ by country.
How Often Should Women Get a Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening frequency depends on age, country, and which test is used. Most programmes recommend every 3–5 years. Here's what current guidelines say and why they differ.
When Should You Get a Mammogram — and How Often?
Mammogram guidelines changed in 2024. The US now recommends starting at 40; the UK starts at 50. Here's what each country's guidance says, why they differ, and how to know what applies to you.
How Often Should Adults Get a Blood Test?
How often adults need a blood test depends on age, risk factors, and what's being tested. Most guidelines recommend key checks every 1–5 years. Here's what to know.
Health Anxiety and Screening: Why Knowing What's Due Helps More Than Worrying
Health anxiety often grows in the absence of information. Knowing exactly which check-ups are due — and which aren't — is a practical first step toward feeling more in control.
Why Your Health Data Should Never Leave Your Phone
Health apps often collect and store more data than you realise. Here's what local-only storage means, why it matters, and how to choose a health app that keeps your data private.
Health Screening by Age: What Adults Actually Need to Know
A practical guide to adult health screening by age decade — what tests are recommended in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, and why the intervals are set the way they are.
Screening vs. Symptoms: Understanding the Difference
Screening is for people who feel well. Symptoms need a doctor. Understanding the difference helps you use preventive tools correctly — and know when to seek care instead.
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
How often you need a colonoscopy depends on your age, risk level, and previous results. Most guidelines recommend every 10 years from age 45 for average-risk adults.
Why Over-Screening Can Do More Harm Than Good
More screening isn't always better. Over-screening leads to false positives, unnecessary procedures, and health anxiety. Here's what the evidence says.