Published on:
July 30, 2025
Taking charge of your health means knowing what your body needs at every stage of life. At Spital Clinic, our women's health GPs believe that preventive care is the key to long-term wellbeing.
One of the most effective ways to stay healthy is to keep up with recommended health screenings. Here’s a clear, age-specific guide to the checks every woman should consider.
Your 20s are the time to lay the groundwork for lifelong health. Cervical screening begins at age 25 in the UK. The NHS now offers tests every five years, but at Spital Clinic, we can offer more frequent screening if you prefer extra peace of mind.
If you're sexually active, regular STI checks are essential, especially with new or multiple partners. Mental health also matters—this is a decade where anxiety, stress, and depression can often surface. Don’t hesitate to speak with a GP.
Breast awareness is important, even though mammograms aren’t needed yet. Learn what’s normal for you, and report any changes.
💡 Lifestyle Tip: Focus on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and good sleep. This is also a good time to discuss contraception and reproductive health.
In your 30s, it’s important to continue regular cervical screenings and stay consistent with monthly breast self-checks. Fertility often becomes a focus—if you’re planning a family, fertility assessments such as hormone tests or ovarian reserve checks may be helpful.
It’s also a time when work, relationships, and family planning may compete for attention. If you feel overwhelmed, speaking to your GP can help.
💡 Lifestyle Tip: Prioritise your own health. Preconception care can make a difference before trying to conceive.
As your body changes, early detection becomes more important. Continue with your smear tests and start monitoring breast health more closely. While the NHS offers mammograms from age 50, we offer earlier screenings if you have any risk factors.
It’s also a good idea to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and assess your risk of diabetes—particularly if you have a family history or had gestational diabetes.
💡 Lifestyle Tip: This is when perimenopause may begin. Track changes in your cycle, mood, and energy levels, and speak with a doctor if symptoms become bothersome.
This is a time of major transition. NHS breast screening begins at age 50 and continues every three years. You may opt for more frequent checks privately, especially if you’re managing risk factors.
Continue regular cervical screening until age 64, and consider a bone density scan if you’re post-menopausal. Heart health becomes even more important now, so blood pressure, lipid profile, and diabetes testing are highly recommended.
💡 Lifestyle Tip: Speak openly with your GP about menopause symptoms. HRT and lifestyle adjustments can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
Even in later decades, screenings remain essential. You’ll receive your final routine cervical screening at age 64 unless follow-ups are needed. NHS breast screening continues until 71, but more frequent checks may be advised based on your health.
Bone scans may be repeated if you’ve previously had osteoporosis risks. From age 60, NHS bowel cancer screening begins every two years. We also offer private options for earlier or more frequent bowel health testing.
Don’t forget eye and hearing tests—these are vital for preserving independence and quality of life.
💡 Lifestyle Tip: Stay active, mentally and physically. Social connection and routine check-ups play a key role in healthy ageing.
At Spital Clinic, we make it easy to prioritise your health with:
Whatever your age, it’s never too early, or too late, to take control of your health. Contact us today to schedule a personalised screening plan with one of our experienced GPs. We’re here to support you at every stage of life.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
