5 reasons to book that GP check-up you keep putting off
You keep meaning to book a regular checkup. Life gets busy, you feel fine, and the appointment just keeps getting pushed back. Sound familiar? Most of us are guilty of avoiding the GP unless something actually hurts. But booking a regular checkup is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health, and skipping them can mean missing problems before they become serious.
Here are five good reasons to stop putting it off and get yourself booked in.
This is a collaborative post.
1. Many health problems have no symptoms at all
This is the big one. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes can develop quietly over months or even years without you feeling any different. You could have high blood pressure right now and feel completely normal.
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up available to adults in England aged 40 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing condition. It looks at your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diabetes, and it only takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You should be invited every five years, but if you haven’t heard anything and think you’re eligible, just contact your GP surgery directly.
Getting these numbers checked gives you the chance to act early, whether that means making lifestyle changes or starting treatment. That is far easier than dealing with the consequences of an undetected condition years down the line.
Hearing loss often takes time to develop, and you can easily miss the early signs. Regular appointments for hearing tests with a specialist can help you determine if any hearing problems are present and start treatment immediately.
2. Cancer screening saves lives
The NHS runs several screening programmes that catch cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. Early detection genuinely makes a difference to treatment outcomes, so these are appointments worth keeping.
Here is a quick summary of the main ones you can arrange during a regular checkup:
Cervical screening: Available to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64. You will be invited every five years. If you have missed your last one, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book. I shared my story of precancerous cells and what can happen if you do have abnormalities, if you are unsure. Find out more on the NHS cervical screening page.
Breast screening: Women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited for a mammogram every three years. You need to be registered with a GP to receive your invitation. More details are available on the NHS breast screening page.
Bowel cancer screening: If you are aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you will automatically receive a home testing kit (called a FIT kit) every two years. It is a simple test you do at home and post back. Read more on the NHS bowel cancer screening page.
If you are unsure whether you are up to date with any of these, your GP surgery can tell you. Do not wait to be chased.
3. You can get on top of conditions that creep up with age
Middle age brings some health changes that are easy to dismiss as “just getting older.” Fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, joint pain, and frequent infections can all be signs that something needs attention. Some of these have straightforward fixes once they are identified at a regular checkup.
Thyroid problems are a good example. They are more common as you get older and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold all the time. A simple blood test can check your thyroid function. My guide to common health conditions in middle age covers a range of things worth knowing about as you get older.
Vitamin deficiencies are another one that often goes undetected. Low iron, vitamin D, or B12 can leave you feeling wiped out for months. Again, a blood test is all it takes to find out. Once you know, you can do something about it. My post on choosing vitamin supplements is a helpful starting point if you are considering supplementing your diet.
If you are going through the menopause and experiencing symptoms, a regular checkup is also a good opportunity to talk through your options. You can read my experiences of menopause, HRT, and mood, too.
4. Staying up to date with vaccinations matters
Vaccines are not just for children. Adults need them, too, and it is easy to lose track of what you have had and when.
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended every year for people who are 65 or older, pregnant, have certain health conditions, or work in health or social care. Your GP surgery will usually contact you when it is time, but you can also ask if you are unsure of your eligibility.
Shingles is another one to be aware of. It can be extremely painful, and the risk increases with age. The NHS offers a shingles vaccine to people at certain ages, so it is worth checking with your GP whether you are due one.
If you have a long-term health condition, there may be other vaccinations recommended for you too. A regular checkup is a good time to review what you are up to date with.
5. Your mental health deserves a regular checkup too
Physical health often gets all the attention, but your mental well-being is just as important. If you have been feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed for a while, it is worth mentioning to your GP. Many people put off talking about mental health because they feel they are not “unwell enough” to bother the doctor. That thinking is worth challenging.
GPs are trained to help with mental health, and there is support available ranging from talking therapies to medication to referrals for specialist help. The earlier you got for a regular checkup and speak up about your feelings, the sooner you can start feeling better. My post on mental health apps has some useful tools to support your wellbeing between appointments.
Chronic conditions need check-ups too
If you suffer from a chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or even asthma, then you need to stick to check-ups too. In that case, regular checkups are essential in monitoring your health and ensuring the condition is managed correctly.
A regular checkup can help detect changes in your physical or emotional well-being, allowing for early intervention. With regular check-ups, doctors will also be able to monitor any changes in medication or treatments that could help reduce the impact of your condition.
For those who require hearing aids and lead an active lifestyle, discussing options like waterproof hearing aids during these appointments can ensure that your hearing assistance meets your day-to-day needs seamlessly. This ensures you remain equipped for any situation, whether caught in the rain or engaging in water sports.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I see my GP for a regular checkup?
It depends on your age, health history, and any existing conditions. If you have no ongoing health issues, you may only need to go when something comes up. However, once you turn 40, the NHS Health Check every five years is a good baseline. Anyone with a long-term condition will usually have more regular reviews arranged by their GP or care team.
What if I feel fine? Do I still need a check-up?
Feeling fine is great, but it does not always mean everything is fine underneath. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some cancers can develop without obvious symptoms. A regular checkup is about catching things early, not just dealing with what you can already feel.
How do I book a GP appointment?
You can book through your GP surgery’s website, by calling the surgery directly, or via the NHS App. If you are not yet registered with a GP, you can find out how to register with a GP surgery on the NHS website.
What should I mention at my regular checkup?
Anything that has been on your mind, even if it seems minor. Bring up changes in your body, your mood, sleep, energy levels, or anything you have been putting off mentioning. It helps to write things down beforehand so you do not forget.
What if I am worried about what the GP might find?
This is a very common feeling. But finding something early almost always leads to a better outcome than finding it later. Knowing gives you options. Not knowing just lets things carry on unchecked.
Make the appointment
It really is that simple. You do not need to be poorly to see your GP, and a regular checkup could give you real peace of mind or flag something that is much easier to deal with now than later.
If you have been putting a regular checkup off, consider this your nudge to pick up the phone and book it in.
