What health screenings do I need?

Recommended screenings depend on your age, sex, and risk factors. Common screenings include blood pressure (every 2 years from 18), cholesterol/lipid screening (every 5 years from 45, or 35 if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease or diabetes), type 2 diabetes screening (every 3 years from 40, or from 18 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), bowel cancer screening (every 2 years from 45 — Red Book 2025 update), breast cancer (mammogram every 2 years from 50), cervical screening (every 5 years from 25), and skin checks (as recommended by your GP based on risk).

Health Screening Calculator

Check which screening tests and health assessments you may be due for, based on Australian RACGP guidelines.

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📋 Source: RACGP Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice (Red Book, 10th edition). National screening programs.
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

📌 This is a general guide only — not a billing or clinical directive. MBS item numbers, rules, and fees change. Always verify at mbsonline.gov.au and confirm eligibility with your practice software.

Your age

Sex

Male Female

Do any of these apply to you? (optional)

Current or past smoker

Family history of heart disease (parent/sibling before age 60)

Family history of bowel or breast cancer

Diabetes or pre-diabetes

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Fair skin, history of sunburn, or many moles

Screening tests detect disease early — often before you have any symptoms. Early detection can mean simpler treatment, better outcomes, and in some cases, lives saved.

Australia has several national screening programs that are free for eligible people, including bowel cancer screening (NBCSP), breast cancer screening (BreastScreen), and cervical screening (National Cervical Screening Program).

Many other screenings can be done through your GP as part of a routine health check. Some are covered by Medicare, and some are available through specific health assessments (like the 45–49 Health Check or the 75+ Health Assessment).

The screenings shown are based on recommendations from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Red Book, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and national screening programs.

Screening recommendations change over time as new evidence emerges. This tool reflects guidelines as of 2024/2025. For the most current recommendations, refer to the RACGP Red Book at racgp.org.au.