“My body suddenly seemed strange to me”: health screens in your thirties

Once your twenties are behind you, you may face a greater risk for several health conditions. 

Here’s what you need to know about health risks and assessments in your thirties.

Testicular cancer risk

Josh* (33) and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their second daughter when he noticed that his body had started feeling “different”.

“It was hard to describe the sensation, besides the fact that there was a feeling of heaviness in my scrotum and testicles,” he recalls. Soon, he noticed that the area was looking red and swollen.

A visit to his doctor revealed that Josh had a lump in one of his testicles. “I couldn’t believe it. I was fit and active, ate healthily and above all, thought I was far too young for cancer.”

In fact, says Dr Francois van Niekerk, a general practitioner at Mediclinic Newcastle, Josh falls squarely within the age category when testicular cancer is most frequently diagnosed. “Many people think cancer affects mostly older people, but this isn’t the case with testicular cancer, which is most common among men aged 15-45, with men aged 20-34 facing the highest risk.”

That’s why Dr Van Niekerk advises regular checks. “At this age, it’s sufficient to do a self-examination every month. But make sure you have any lumps checked by your doctor.”

Self-checks for breast lumps

The same applies to women: although breast tissue is generally too dense for any lumps to be detected by a mammogram until you’re in your forties, it’s a good idea to check your breasts every month. “Your breasts change according to your cycle – they’ll feel lumpier at certain times of the month. Regular self-examination ensures you’re familiar with what feels normal, and what doesn’t” says Dr Van Niekerk.

Male or female, if there is a history of cancer in your family, it’s important to discuss screening protocols with your doctor, as you may need to start screening at an earlier age.

Rule out cholesterol

Family history is a factor in other conditions, too. For example, regular cholesterol screening is usually advised from age 40, but your doctor will probably suggest a screen sooner if a parent or grandparent died of a heart attack or stroke at a young age. A finger-prick test is a quick and easy way to check your cholesterol levels. It helps your doctor decide if you need any treatment and is especially useful if you have other risk factors like obesity, diabetes or a very inactive lifestyle.

Focus on family planning

If you don’t have any major health risks, family planning is still a priority for many people, says Dr Van Niekerk. “It’s important to discuss contraception with a healthcare professional so they can recommend the option that best fits your lifestyle. Women often think of the Pill first, but it’s not advised for smokers or those with diabetes or obesity.” Your doctor will discuss other options with you, such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs).

He adds that maintaining healthy habits in your thirties can make a big difference to your wellbeing later in life. This includes staying active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and asking your doctor whether any checks are recommended based on your family history.

“Detecting potential issues during your thirties means they’re unlikely to develop into serious conditions in later life.”