Is it time for a check-up?

MOST of us get through our early lives without worrying about our blood pressure and cholesterol.

But when should we start to have routine checks to make sure our body is working properly?

Screening is a public health service offered to people who do not necessarily think they are at risk or already affected by a disease.

People could be asked a question or given a test to spot early signs or abnormalities that could later lead to complications.

Some illnesses, such as breast and cervical cancers, are screened under a national screening programme, while others are picked up with a test when people present symptoms.

While in many cases screening can be a reassuring and lifesaving service, some people have been left devastated when incorrect results diagnose, or fail to diagnose an illness - a plight highlighted in the fictional case of Alma Baldwin in Coronation Street.

York GP David Geddes, medical director of Selby and York Primary Care Trust, said it was important to be aware of the early signs of an illness, rather than relying on a test.

He said people should always be aware of their bodies and check for changes.

He said: "If there are changes in your body or you are experiencing new symptoms then go and see your GP."

Women's health

Women are called for voluntary smear tests under the national screening programme for cervical cancer.

Women used to be screened when they began to have sex, but the minimum age was recently changed to 25, because as the neck of a woman's womb changes throughout her life, the results were less reliable in women aged around 18.

Smears are offered every three years and every five after a woman's 49th birthday.

Breast cancer is also screened for under the national programme. With an X-ray of the breast, mammograms look for early signs of cancer.

Women aged between 50 and 70 are routinely offered three-yearly screenings and can request them after turning 70.

Men's health

Men are not routinely screened for prostate cancer because the test is not always reliable.

Dr Geddes said a blood test was useful when combined with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty passing urine and getting up in the night to go to the toilet.

Testicular cancer is generally picked up when men find changes in the testicles and are referred to the hospital by their GP. Men are more at risk aged between 15 and 50.

Blood pressure should be checked every three years from the age of 40. It can be tested by your GP or by a chemist.

Cholesterol is a risk factor of heart disease and strokes, alongside smoking, high blood pressure, family history, being overweight and lacking exercise.

Not everybody is screened, but practices try and test people who may be more at risk.

Diabetes is a greater risk to some people than others, because of family history or being overweight. A blood or urine test is offered to those at risk or with symptoms such as thirst, tiredness and passing water excessively.

National screening for bowel cancer will be rolled out from 2006.

Stomach and lung cancers are tested for when people present with symptoms.

Depression

Depression is difficult to screen as it is characterised by episodes of the condition, and most of us will experience similar episodes at some time in our lives.

Groups of people such as the elderly might struggle to cope with illnesses such as a stroke or a heart attack if they suffer from depression, and they are monitored for signs of the illness.

Health visitors also observe new mums for post-natal depression.

Antenatal screening

Screening for Downs Syndrome is offered to pregnant women of a certain age and hepatitis B and HIV can be tested for by a blood sample. A 20-week scan will check that the baby is developing properly.

Newborns

Babies are routinely given hearing tests and blood tests for small metabolic disorders such as an under active thyroid.

Sexual health

Women under 25 are generally offered Chlamydia screening at family planning clinics.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, June 24, 2005