Why Have a Check-Up
What Is a Check-up? Who Is It Recommended for and How Often?
A check-up is an assessment carried out in people with no apparent symptoms to evaluate health risks and plan preventive healthcare measures appropriate to their age, personal history and risk profile. Measurements such as blood pressure, blood glucose or cholesterol, as well as cancer screening, may be planned according to the individual's circumstances and relevant guidelines. Not every test is necessary for everyone.
A check-up is not a way to detect all diseases or guarantee that you will not become ill in the future. The benefits and potential harms of screening tests should be assessed, and evidence-based tests should be recommended to appropriate individuals at appropriate intervals. For example, some screening tests may be performed annually, while others are repeated at longer intervals or planned according to individual risks.
Who may benefit from a check-up?
People who wish to review their health risks and plan recommended screening and follow-up assessments, even if they have no symptoms, can discuss a check-up assessment with their doctor. Factors that may particularly influence the assessment plan include a family history of cardiovascular disease at an early age or certain cancers; a history of high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol; smoking, excess weight or a sedentary lifestyle.
Screening recommendations vary according to age and individual risks. For example, the starting age and repeat intervals for blood pressure, diabetes and cancer screening are not the same. Prostate cancer screening with PSA should also be planned as an individual decision after discussing its potential benefits and harms with a doctor.
Is an annual check-up necessary?
There is no single check-up interval that applies to everyone. Having the same extensive panel of tests every year may not be necessary for everyone. The frequency of check-ups is determined by factors such as age, family history, existing medical conditions, medications, previous test results and lifestyle. Your doctor can work with you to plan which assessments should be repeated and when.
Is a check-up the same as a symptom assessment?
No. A check-up is intended as a preventive assessment for people with no apparent symptoms. If you have pain, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, shortness of breath or another new symptom, you need a medical assessment without waiting for your check-up appointment. Normal check-up results do not completely rule out a disease that may develop later.
Wellcare check-up packages
Wellcare offers check-up packages for different needs. Package contents may vary according to age and the package selected; more comprehensive packages may also include a doctor's examination, depending on the package contents. You should discuss with your doctor which package is appropriate and whether any additional assessment is needed.
You can access our check-up services at our Wellcare Health Clinic and Miracle Hospital branches in Nicosia, and at our Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital branch in Kyrenia. Explore our check-up packages.