When it comes to health, prevention really is better than cure. As we move through life, the risks we face shift and evolve and so do the tests and check-ups we should be prioritising. While it can be tempting to avoid the GP until something feels wrong, scheduling the right health checks by decade can help detect problems early, prevent conditions from developing, and give you peace of mind.

Dr. Hana Patel, a GP, has shared with us the key screenings and examinations that us women should prioritise in our 30s, 40s and 50s.

Your 30s: Building the Foundations

Your 30s are often busy – careers, families, and life admin all competing for attention – but this decade is the perfect time to build strong health habits. Even if you feel well, regular screenings help establish a baseline for the future.

Recommended checks for women in their 30s:

• Eye examination – Detects vision changes and catches early signs of eye disease.
  
• Hearing test – Important for long-term communication and cognitive health.
  
• Blood pressure – High blood pressure often has no symptoms but increases risk of stroke and heart disease.
  
• Skin exam – To spot any changes in moles or signs of skin cancer early.
  
• Cholesterol screening – High cholesterol in your 30s can quietly impact heart health decades later.
  
• Blood glucose test – A proactive step in preventing type 2 diabetes.
  
• Pelvic exam & Pap smear – To check reproductive health and screen for cervical cancer.
  
• Thyroid stimulating hormone test – Especially important if you experience fatigue, weight changes or irregular cycles.
  

Your 40s: Spotting Shifts Early

In our 40s, the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers increases. The good news? Many are manageable, and lifestyle choices still play a huge role in prevention. This is the decade to stay vigilant.

For women in their 40s:

• Continue all checks from your 30s (eye, hearing, blood pressure, skin, cholesterol, glucose, pelvic exam, Pap smear, thyroid test).
  
• Mammogram – Breast cancer risk rises, and early detection saves lives.
  
• Ovarian screening – Important if you have symptoms or a family history of ovarian cancer.
  

Your 50s: Taking Preventative Action

By your 50s, your lifestyle and genetics start to show more clearly in your health profile. This is the decade when the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic conditions increase significantly – so prevention and early detection are key.

For women in their 50s:

• Continue all checks from your 40s (eye, hearing, blood pressure, skin, cholesterol, glucose, pelvic exam, Pap smear, thyroid test, mammogram, ovarian screening).
  
• Coronary screening – To assess heart health and catch cardiovascular disease early.
  
• Colorectal screening – Bowel cancer risk increases with age, making screening vital.
  

Lifestyle Matters Too

Of course, tests and screenings are only one part of the puzzle. Lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol, staying active, eating a balanced diet and protecting your skin from sun damage, can dramatically reduce your risks of disease as you age. Your health in your 30s, 40s and 50s sets the tone for your decades ahead. Think of these health checks as small investments with huge returns, giving you the best chance of catching issues early and keeping you feeling your best at every stage of life.

If you’re unsure which tests apply to you, or if you have a family history of certain conditions, speak to your GP, who can tailor recommendations based on your personal risk factors.