Over 50s urged to act on 'big four' health factors

People approaching 50 should be aware of "the big four" factors when it comes to keeping healthy in later life, Gloucestershire's NHS deputy chief medical officer has said.

GP Dr Hein Le Roux has urged those reaching mid-life to take advantage of screenings, including those for breast and bowel cancer, which become available to most people from 50 onwards.

Smoking less, drinking sensibly, exercising, and taking care with your diet are all things Dr Le Roux recommended to decrease the chances of major health issues occurring later in life.

"If you look after yourself now, it will really help as you get older and more frail," he said.

NHS England announced in January that the age for the bowel cancer screening test was being lowered to include 50-year-olds for the first time.

"If you are invited for some sort of screening, please take it up because, hopefully, most of the time you're going to be reassured but a stitch in time saves nine," Dr Le Roux said.

"If there is a problem and you find out earlier, it's going to be much better for everyone."

Dr Le Roux said people should "prepare for the future" and make lifestyle changes to decrease health risks as they get older.

"There are four big messages," he said.

"Smoking... that's one of the big things that's going to cause you illness and premature death."

People should "drink sensibly" and exercise for their mental and physical health, he said.

"If you can do something every day - walk the dog, go to the gym, cycling - that would be really good for you going forward."

Dr Le Roux's fourth big message was diet, stating that being overweight increases the risk of cancer and decreases self-esteem, although he recognised losing weight can be hard for some people.

Mammograms are available every three years between the ages of 50 and 71, while men can ask for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test after their 50th birthday.

"Life is worth living, the NHS is hopefully there for you if you need it," he said.

"As you get older, statistically, you're going to be using the NHS more, so try and see your time at 50 as 'what can I do for myself in the next few years to change something that might happen when I'm 60 or 70 and delay that?'."

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