Recommended Health Screenings in Your 30s
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: December 3, 2025
The Decade to Catch Problems Early
Your 30s are often a transitional decade, you’re busier, juggling career growth, family responsibilities, and lifestyle demands. While you may still feel young and healthy, this is exactly why preventive care matters most. Many chronic conditions begin developing quietly during this period, long before symptoms appear.
The statistics below show why prioritising preventive health in your 30s can help build a healthier foundation for the decades ahead.
- High blood cholesterol in 30–39 age group: 20.5%.
- Obesity prevalence rises to 12.2%.
- High-risk BMI (overweight/obese by BMI criteria) among 30–39: 21.1%.
- Abdominal obesity (waist circumference): 36.0% in 30–39 age group.
Why these matter for screening in 30s: As people age into their 30s, metabolic risk factors (cholesterol, obesity) climb significantly, making routine screening for lipid profile, BMI/waist circumference, and possibly early diabetes/insulin resistance more important.
Also, although less local data is publicly summarised about early-onset cancers by age 30–39, global trends suggest a rise of “early-onset” cancers in under-50s, especially digestive, colon, kidney, liver cancers. This underscores the value of preventive lifestyle measures and possibly age-appropriate cancer risk screenings (family history depending).
Even if you exercise regularly and eat well, certain risks naturally increase as you age. This decade is when early signs of:
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Blood sugar abnormalities
- Thyroid imbalances
- Reproductive and hormonal issues
- Nutrient deficiencies
… may begin to surface.
Identifying these early means easier treatment, fewer complications, and better longterm health outcomes.
Source: Health Promotion Board
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
Comprehensive Blood Tests
A baseline blood panel is one of the best tools to assess your internal health.
- Anaemia
- Infection
- Inflammation
- General immunity and overall cell health
Why it's important: Many adults in Singapore develop mild anaemia due to diet, stress, or lifestyle habits without realising.
- Total cholesterol
- HDL (“good cholesterol”)
- LDL (“bad cholesterol”)
- Triglycerides
Why it's important: High cholesterol can develop even in people who are slim or active, often due to genetics or diet.
Diabetes Tests (Fasting Glucose / HbA1c)
Screens for prediabetes and diabetes.
Why it matters: Diabetes often begins silently in the 30s, especially with sedentary jobs, stress eating, frequent snacking and irregular meals.
Assesses enzymes, bilirubin and liver health.
- Fatty liver is becoming more common even among younger adults
- Alcohol, supplements, and medications can all affect liver function
Checks creatinine, eGFR, and electrolyte balance.
Kidney issues usually show no symptoms until very late stages, early detection is key.
Important for:
- Energy levels
- Metabolism and weight
- Mood
- Hormone balance
Thyroid issues are especially common in women in their 30s.
Cardiovascular Health Checks
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure is a silent disease, many only discover it in their 30s.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Recommended if you:
- Have palpitations
- Experience chest discomfort
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Engage in intense exercise
Weight, Metabolic & Lifestyle Screening
BMI and Body Fat Analysis
Your 30s are when metabolism slows and body fat increases faster.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Assessment
Includes evaluation of:
- Sleep habits
- Stress levels
- Exercise routine
- Dietary patterns
These help identify risks for early metabolic syndrome or obesityrelated conditions.
Reproductive & Women’s Health Screenings
For Women's Health Screenings
Recommended every 3 years (or more frequently if advised).
Screens for cervical cancer and precancerous changes.
Pelvic Ultrasound (Optional)
Useful for:
- Persistent menstrual irregularities
- PCOS evaluation
- Fibroids or ovarian cysts
Breast Screening
Self exams monthly
Ultrasound recommended if you notice lumps, pain or have family history.
For Men
Testicular Health Check
Self exams + GP assessment for:
- Lumps
- Swelling
- Pain or discomfort
Sexual Health Screening
STD / STI Tests Recommended if you are sexually active.
Tests include:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis B & C
Early detection ensures timely treatment and reduces transmission risk.
Cancer Screenings in Your 30s
While routine cancer screening ramps up after 40, some individuals should start earlier depending on:
- Family history
- Genetics
- Lifestyle risks (e.g., smoking)
- Prior abnormal findings
Common early screenings include:
- Cervical cancer (Pap/HPV)
- Breast ultrasound
- Colon screening for high risk individuals
Urine and Stool Tests
Urine FEME
Screens for:
- Kidney abnormalities
- Infection
- Protein levels
- Blood in urine
Stool Occult Blood Test
- Checks for hidden blood, an early warning sign for colon issues.
Vaccinations to Catch Up On
Your 30s are a good time to update:
- Flu vaccine (yearly)
- Tdap (every 10 years)
- HPV vaccine (if not completed earlier)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Chickenpox (if never infected or vaccinated)
Mental Health Check In
Mental wellness is as important as physical health.
Speak to your GP if you experience:
- Unusual stress or burnout
- Anxiety
- Persistent low mood
- Sleep difficulties
Early support improves overall wellbeing and long term productivity.
Other Tests to consider
Urea Breath Test (UBT) – For Detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
The Urea Breath Test is a highly accurate, non-invasive test used to detect H. pylori, a common bacteria that can infect the stomach lining.
H. pylori infection is associated with:
- Chronic gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Indigestion and bloating
- Increased long-term risk of stomach cancer
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent stomach discomfort, reflux, bloating, or indigestion
- Those with a family history of gastric cancer
- Anyone previously treated for H. pylori who needs confirmation of eradication
- Early detection allows doctors to treat the infection before it causes long-term damage.
Gut Microbiome Test - Understanding Your Digestive and Immune Health
A gut microbiome analysis examines the population of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms living in your digestive tract.
Using advanced sequencing techniques, this test measures:
- The diversity of your gut bacteria
- Levels of beneficial vs. harmful microbes
- Markers linked to digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity
Your gut microbiome influences:
- Digestion & nutrient absorption
- Weight regulation & metabolism
- Immune system strength (over 70% of immunity sits in the gut)
- Inflammation levels
- Mood and brain function (gut-brain axis)
- An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) can contribute to:
- Bloating, constipation, IBS, acid reflux
- Low energy or brain fog
- Skin issues (acne, eczema)
- Poor immunity
- Weight fluctuations
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent digestive symptoms
- People seeking personalised diet or lifestyle advice
- Anyone with chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune tendencies
- Those wanting to optimise long-term wellness
IgG Food Intolerance Test – Identifying Delayed Food Sensitivities
Unlike food allergies (immediate reactions), IgG food intolerance involves a delayed immune response, often appearing hours or days after eating certain foods.
The test measures your body’s IgG antibody levels to a wide variety of foods, commonly dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, shellfish, gluten-containing grains, and more.
Food intolerances often cause subtle, chronic symptoms such as:
- Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Eczema or acne
- Joint pains
- Brain fog
- Mood fluctuations
Because delayed reactions are hard to link to specific foods, the IgG test provides objective data to guide an elimination or rotation diet.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with chronic digestive discomfort
- Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, skin issues, or migraines
- People wanting a personalised nutrition plan
- Those who suspect certain foods worsen their symptoms
This test helps reduce inflammation and improve daily wellbeing by identifying problem foods.
Cortisol Level Test – Assessing Stress & Adrenal Function
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It follows a daily rhythm: highest in the morning, lowest at night.
This test measures:
- Total cortisol levels
- Daily cortisol pattern (morning peak, evening decline)
- Potential adrenal fatigue or overactivity
Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to:
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty losing weight
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or mood issues
- High blood pressure
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Weakened immunity
Chronically high cortisol (due to prolonged stress) may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and burnout. Very low cortisol could signal adrenal insufficiency.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with ongoing stress or burnout symptoms
- Those with sleep difficulties, low energy, or frequent infections
- People with stubborn belly fat or slow metabolism
- Anyone wanting a deeper look at stress-related health patterns
A cortisol test provides important information for personalised lifestyle, sleep, and stress-management plans.
How Often Should People in Their 30s Screen?
Health risks start rising in your 30s as metabolism slows and stress levels increase. Regular screening helps detect early signs of diabetes, thyroid imbalance, high cholesterol, and fertility-related issues before symptoms appear.
Start Early for Peace of Mind
Your 30s are the decade to catch health issues early, build strong foundations, and prevent chronic diseases before they take hold. With regular screenings, early action, and personalised guidance from your GP, you can stay healthy, energetic and resilient for many years ahead.
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare