Preventing illness can be life-saving - and if everything is in order, it gives you a reassuring feeling after the appointment. So it's good to know which preventive check-ups are recommended and to which you are entitled.

Screening examinations from the age of 20

Women from the age of 20 can have themselves tested for a chlamydia infection once a year for the next five years. The bacterial infection is sexually transmitted and often shows no symptoms, but can lead to infertility. From the age of 20, women can also undergo screening tests for the early detection of cervical cancer - with timely treatment, this disease can be cured almost 100% of the time.

Screening examinations from the age of 35

The preventive check-up for women over the age of 35 includes a general internal examination, also known as a "health check-up", which can take place every two years. During the internal examination, all relevant key health data is checked. This includes checking sugar and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure is also checked. The heart, lungs and kidneys are also examined more closely in order to diagnose any cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in good time. The examinations also include early detection of cancer. The check-up also includes a consultation with the doctor: topics include illnesses in the family, nicotine and alcohol consumption and exercise.

By the way: If you are married, you can also send your loved one for a check-up from the age of 35 - because from this age, the check-up is also offered for men. From the age of 35, we also recommend an annual check-up at the dermatologist for skin cancer screening, during which moles and birthmarks are thoroughly examined.
From the age of 50, a mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer is added to the preventive check-up for women every two years. These are special X-ray images that document fine details of the mammary gland and are carried out every two years until the age of 70. If there are already known cases of breast cancer in the family, it is advisable to start breast cancer screening tests earlier.