Recommended Health Screenings in Your 50s
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: December 3, 2025
What Really Matters for Prevention
Entering your 50s marks an important turning point for preventive healthcare. At this stage of life, the risk of chronic conditions rises significantly, but with the right screenings, many of these issues can be detected early, well-managed, or even prevented entirely.
Regular health screenings in your 50s give you the clarity you need to take charge of your well-being. This decade is also when many “silent” conditions begin to surface, making timely checks more important than ever.
The statistics below highlight how significantly health risks increase in this decade, and why consistent screening is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy in your 50s.
- High blood cholesterol: in 50–59 age group, 45.4%.
- High-risk BMI remains elevated: 26.6%.
- Abdominal obesity: 53.9%.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: 14.5% among those aged 55–69 (which includes part of the 50s).
According to general public-health data: among Singapore adults, about 1 in 3 have high cholesterol; 1 in 4 have high blood pressure; and 1 in 10 have diabetes.
Why these matter for screening in 50s: With nearly half of people in their 50s having high cholesterol, and more than half showing abdominal obesity, this decade is critical for managing cardiovascular health — through lipid panels, blood pressure, glucose, kidney, liver, and other organ screening, plus age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g. colorectal).
Also, organ function decline (e.g. kidneys) becomes more common, increasing the importance of kidney and metabolic screening.
This guide covers the essential tests everyone in their 50s should prioritise, why they matter, and how they help you stay healthy for decades ahead.
Source: Health Promotion Board
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
Why Health Screening Is Crucial in Your 50s
During your 50s, age-related changes accelerate, and the risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers rise. Many of these conditions develop quietly with no symptoms, making screenings the most reliable way to catch early warning signs.
Key benefits of regular screening include:
- Early detection of treatable or reversible conditions
- Better disease control with timely interventions
- Lower risk of complications from chronic illnesses
- Improved long-term quality of life as you age
- Peace of mind from knowing your health status
Essential Health Screenings for Your 50s
A full blood workup gives a complete overview of your general health and alerts you to early imbalances.
Recommended tests include:
- Diabetes Tests (Fasting glucose or HbA1c): checks for diabetes risk
- Cholesterol Test lipid profile: cholesterol levels, heart disease risk
- Kidney function (urea, creatinine, eGFR)
- Liver function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- Full blood count: anaemia, infection, inflammation
- Thyroid function: metabolic and hormonal regulation
These markers help your doctor catch chronic diseases early and tailor a preventive health plan for you.
Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
High blood pressure is one of the most common “silent killers” in your 50s.
Your screening should include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Cardiovascular risk scoring
- Assessment of lifestyle and family history
If symptoms or risk factors are present, further tests such as treadmill ECG or echocardiography may be recommended.
Cancer Screenings: A Must in Your 50s
Certain cancer risks increase significantly with age. Screening helps detect them early when treatment is most effective.
For Men
- Colorectal cancer screening (FIT test yearly or colonoscopy every 10 years)
- Prostate cancer assessment (PSA blood test, discuss suitability with your doctor)
For Women
- Mammogram: every 2 years
- Cervical cancer screening: HPV test every 5 years
- Colorectal cancer screening: FIT or colonoscopy
Colon Cancer Screening (Everyone 50+)
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and one of the most common in people over 50.
Options include:
- FIT Test (Faecal Immunochemical Test): simple, non-invasive, done yearly
- Colonoscopy: comprehensive, usually done every 10 years
Your doctor will advise based on your family history, symptoms, and risk profile.
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests help detect common deficiencies in Singapore, including:
Low levels can affect:
- Immunity
- Hormones
- Mood
- Bone health
Vitamin B12 / Folate
Important for:
- Energy
- Mood regulation
- Nerve function
Iron Studies and Ferritin Level Test
Especially important for:
- Women with heavy periods
- Vegetarians / vegans
- Individuals with fatigue
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Screening
Bone density naturally decreases with age, especially for women after menopause.
Recommended test:
- DEXA bone mineral density scan
This screening helps detect osteoporosis early, reducing fracture risk and supporting long-term mobility.
Menopause & Andropause Testing in Your 50s
For many adults, the 50s are a decade marked by major hormonal shifts. Women typically go through menopause between ages 45 and 55, while men may experience andropause—an age-related decline in testosterone, starting from their mid-40s onwards. These changes can affect metabolism, mood, sleep, weight, libido, and long-term health. A targeted hormone assessment can help diagnose imbalances early and guide personalised treatment.
While not everyone needs hormone testing routinely, it becomes especially useful if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes, low libido, weight gain, or sleep disturbances. Your GP can advise when hormonal tests are clinically appropriate.
For Women (Menopause-Related)
- Hormonal Level Tests: FSH, LH, Estradiol to detect signs of menopause
- Thyroid Function (TFT): Thyroid disorders are common in midlife and share symptoms with menopause (fatigue, weight gain, mood changes), so TFTs help rule out underlying issues.
- Vitamin D Deficiency Test: Important because post-menopausal women face a higher risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.
- Testosterone Level Tests: Total and free testosterone tests to assess the drop in testosterone levels.
- LH & FSH: These help determine whether low testosterone is due to testicular causes or signalling issues in the brain.
- SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin): SHBG levels increase with age and may reduce free testosterone availability.
- Prolactin: Elevated prolactin can suppress testosterone and cause fatigue, decreased libido, and mood issues.
Why These Tests Matter
- Clarifies unexplained symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, irritability, or reduced libido.
- Helps assess long-term health risks such as osteoporosis, metabolic slowdown, and cardiovascular changes.
- Enables early intervention through lifestyle changes, nutrition, stress management, or clinician-guided hormone therapy if needed.
- Supports healthy ageing by understanding how your body is shifting during midlife.
Eye Screening
Your 50s are a critical time to watch for conditions that may threaten eyesight.
Screen for:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic eye disease (if applicable)
Yearly eye checks are recommended.
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 50s Screen?
In your 50s, chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease become increasingly common. Regular screening detects issues early and helps maintain functional health and independence.
Start Early, Stay Healthy
Investing in preventive care in your 20s is one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make. Regular screenings help you understand your body, detect problems early, and build a strong foundation for your 30s and beyond.
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
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Hoffman, Matthew. Low Testosterone and Your Health, WebMD, 7 Feb. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/men/what-low-testosterone-can-mean-your-health.
Krans, Brian. Male Menopause: Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment, Healthline Media, 16 Sept. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/male.
Roland, James. Irritable Male Syndrome and Your Relationships, Healthline Media, 31 Mar. 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/irritable-male-syndrome.
“ Diagnosis and Treatment for Andropause.” Diagnosis and Treatment for Andropause - HealthXchange, HealthXchange, 2021, https://www.healthxchange.sg/men/prostate-health/diagnosis-treatment-andropause.