The True Value of Prevention

Preventative medicine is about anticipating risks and optimising long-term health, not following the latest health fad. Through individual assessment and personalised care planning, preventative strategies can detect issues early, minimise complications, and support overall wellbeing.

Private, evidence-based care allows patients to invest in prevention meaningfully — ensuring recommendations are appropriate for their unique physiology, lifestyle, and health goals.

Core Preventive Screenings: What Science Supports

Essential Blood Tests and Recommended Frequencies

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  Every 1 to 3 years for healthy adults
  Screens for anaemia, infection, and blood disorders. More frequent testing provides minimal additional benefit.

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  Every 1 to 3 years
  Assesses kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and glucose levels.

• Lipid Profile
  Every 4 to 6 years for average risk; annually for those with risk factors
  Guidelines show clear mortality benefit for targeted cholesterol monitoring.

• Hemoglobin A1C
  Every 3 years after age 45; more frequently with risk factors
  Identifies prediabetes and diabetes before symptoms appear.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  Every 5 years after age 35; more frequently with symptoms
  Detects thyroid dysfunction, which affects multiple body systems.

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  Based on cardiovascular risk assessment
  Helps refine risk prediction in individuals at moderate cardiovascular risk.

• Vitamin D
  As clinically indicated, not routinely
  Targeted testing for those with risk factors for deficiency.

Cancer Screenings That Save Lives

• Colonoscopy
  Age 45 to 75: every 10 years for average risk. Earlier or more frequent for high-risk individuals.
  Reduces colorectal cancer mortality by 60 to 70 percent through removal of precancerous polyps.

• Mammography
  Age 40 to 75: every 1 to 2 years based on personal risk
  Reduces breast cancer mortality by 20 to 40 percent with appropriate screening.

• Cervical Cancer Screening
  Age 21 to 29: Pap test every 3 years
  Age 30 to 65: Pap and HPV every 5 years, or HPV alone every 5 years
  Highly effective at detecting precancerous changes before progression.

• Prostate Cancer Screening
  Age 55 to 69: individualised decision after discussion
  Modest mortality benefit; must be balanced against potential risks.

• Lung Cancer Screening
  Ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history: annual low-dose CT scan
  Shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20 percent in appropriate candidates.

Cardiovascular Assessments: Beyond Basic Tests

• Cardiac Calcium Scoring
  For adults with intermediate cardiovascular risk
  Helps reclassify risk and guide intensity of prevention efforts.

• Carotid Ultrasound
  For individuals with risk factors or a family history of stroke
  Identifies plaque buildup before symptoms occur; not recommended for universal screening.

• Advanced Lipid Testing
  For selected patients with a family history or unusual cholesterol profiles
  Offers additional risk stratification beyond standard lipid panels.

• Cardiovascular MRI
  Not recommended as a routine screening tool; useful for diagnosis
  Limited evidence for use in people without symptoms.

• Exercise Stress Testing
  For people beginning high-intensity exercise after a sedentary lifestyle
  Not recommended for general screening; useful when guided by symptoms or clinical judgement.