Preventative health checks
We’re committed to making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet and we know that early detection and prevention of disease is key to helping us achieve this. At various stages of your health journey you may be eligible for different screening and tests depending on your age, health and other circumstances. Below is an outline of some of the preventative screening and tests that may be available to you but your GP is best placed to advise you on specific assessments and testing related to your individual circumstances. If you have any questions on accessing any of the information, contact our Health Navigation team for further support.
Checks for all adults
General health
Visit our wellness hubs in Hobart or Launceston to check your blood pressure, heart rate, weight and body fat percentage on the free SiSu Health Station.
Have regular checks with your GP to discuss your health and wellbeing and any concerns you may have. Your GP can arrange regular blood tests to monitor your health status.
Dental checks
Oral health can be linked to several other illnesses and affects your overall health. Dentists recommend regular check-ups, at least once a year or more frequently depending on your individual circumstance. St Lukes now offers gap free preventative dental* for eligible members at our Launceston and Hobart locations.
*Gap free preventative dental included on eligible extras products only. For included preventative dental services provided by participating providers in the St Lukes Dental Network. Waiting periods, annual limits and sub-limits, fund and policy rules apply.
Skin checks
Australia has one of the world’s highest incidences of skin cancer (2). Have your skin checked regularly by your GP or at a specialist skin clinic. Be familiar with your skin by performing self-checks and get any suspicious new or changing spots checked by a doctor. If you have a family history of skin cancer, ensure you are getting a regular professional skin check.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening
An STI screening is recommended for all ages that are engaging in sexual intercourse. An STI check is suggested for people that have multiple sexual partners, have a new sexual partner and/or has a sexual partner with an STI.
An STI screening can be performed using a blood or urine sample at the GP or a sexual health clinic.
National screening programs
Cervical Cancer Screening
What is it?
Cervical screening (formerly Pap test) assesses for abnormal cells in the cervix that can develop into cancer. The Cervical Screening test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix which can lead to cancer (3).
Who should get it?
You should be having a cervical screening test every 5 years from the age of 25 - 74. You can now choose to collect the sample yourself at the GP’s office.
Where do I find more information?
For more information visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program
Bowel Cancer Screening
What is it?
Bowel cancer screening is performed by self-collecting two small samples from two faeces. Bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms, it can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body (4).
Who should get it?
People aged 50-74 will automatically be sent a home testing kit every two years. Those aged 45-49 are also now eligible to opt in to receive the kit. The assessment is posted from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and is free of charge.
Where do I find more information?
For more information visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program
Breast Cancer Screening
What is it?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. A person’s risk can increase depending on a number of factors such as your family and medical history, lifestyle and environment (5).
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It's used to look for early signs of breast cancer and is key for identifying abnormal areas that can’t be felt on physical examination.
It is recommended that all women, whether or not they undergo screening, are aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and have any new or unusual changes investigated by a GP.
Who should get it?
Women aged 40 - 74 are eligible for free mammograms every 2 years. Women aged 50-74 are actively invited to get a free screening mammogram, and women aged 40-49 can opt in.
Where do I find more information?
Contact BreastScreen Tasmania for further information and booking your scan.
Other health checks
45–49-year-old Health Check
If you’re between 45- 49 years old and at risk of developing a chronic disease, you may be eligible to receive a once off Medicare subsidised check up with a GP (6). This health assessment includes a thorough assessment of your medical and family history to understand your risk of developing chronic disease. Your GP may send you for further tests and provide you with advice and information specific to your circumstances.
Diabetes Health Check
A Diabetes Health Check is performed by a GP to assess the risk level and diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes (7). Type 2 diabetes is when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream. If it is not controlled, in the long term this can lead to damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.
Diabetes risk increases for people that are over 55 years of age or are over 45 years of age with high blood pressure and/or are overweight or obese. People with a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and a family history of Type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk (8).
More information is available online on the Diabetes Australia website.
Heart Health Check
An annual heart health check can be undertaken for those aged 45 years or over (or 30 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who are not already known to have heart disease. (9).
During a heart health check, a GP will assess exercise, lifestyle, diet and heart health risks such as smoking status and weight. They may order a blood test or an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to look at the heart function.
St Lukes offers a benefit for claiming a coronary artery calcium score - a scan which can tell you if there is any calcium build up in your arteries and your risk of having a cardiac event in the future. Contact St Lukes Customer Care for more information.
Bone Density Check
A bone density scan is performed using an x-ray (DEXA scan) to assess the fragility of bones to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become more fragile and prone to breaking.
If someone is aged 50 or over and has a condition/medication associated with increased fracture risk, their GP may consider referring them for a DEXA. (10).
A referral for a bone density scan can be obtained from a GP.
Older Persons Health Assessment
If you are aged over 75, your GP can complete a Medicare subsidised assessment of your overall health every year This includes checking your blood pressure and pulse, a review of your medications, vaccinations and checking how well you are managing daily activities. The assessment also reviews your mental health, cognition and access to support services (11).
Vaccines
The national immunisation program provides free vaccinations as routine or for those with specific risk conditions. Pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and people aged over 65 may be eligible for additional vaccines (12). Discuss with your GP to ensure you are up to date with all vaccines relevant to you.
St Lukes also offers annual influenza vaccines, free for members. Click here to learn more.
Your health checklist by age
References
- Maintaining eye health | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services
- Skin cancer | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council
- National Cervical Screening Program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Breast screening | Tasmanian Department of Health
- Note AN.0.38 | Medicare Benefits Schedule
- Note AN.0.37 | Medicare Benefits Schedule
- Risk Calculator | Diabetes Australia
- For professionals: Heart Health Checks | Heart Foundation
- RACGP - Osteoporosis
- Note AN.0.37 | Medicare Benefits Schedule
- National Immunisation Program Schedule | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care