Prevention
always pays
Many diseases can be avoided, or caught early. Here you will find, in plain words, what you can do every day and which check-ups to have.
Preventable diseases
Chronic diseases last a long time, often a lifetime. Many stem from habits we can change.
Heart and blood vessels
Heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure: the risk rises with smoking, high cholesterol and little exercise.
Type 2 diabetes
It is linked mainly to excess weight and too little exercise.
Some cancers
Smoking, alcohol, excess weight, sun and some infections, such as HPV, increase the risk.
Lungs
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused mainly by smoking.
Healthy lifestyles
Small habits, repeated every day, protect your health.
Diet
At least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, less than 5 grams of salt, little sugar and few highly processed foods.
Exercise
At least 150 minutes a week: for example a 30-minute brisk walk, 5 days out of 7.
Smoking
Quitting pays off at any age. Italian National Institute of Health quit line: 800 554 088.
Alcohol
The less you drink, the better. Never drink if you are driving, pregnant or under age.
Stress
Take breaks and nurture your relationships. If you feel low for a long time, talk to your doctor.
Sun
Sunscreen and a hat, no sun in the middle of the day. If a mole changes, see your doctor.
Free screening
Simple tests that find cancers before they cause symptoms, when they are easier to treat. Your local health authority (ASL) sends you an invitation letter; if you have not received it, ask your GP.
Breast cancer
- Who
- Women aged 50 to 69 (45 to 74 in some Regions)
- Test
- Mammogram
- When
- Every 2 years
Cervical cancer
- Who
- Women aged 25 to 64
- Test
- Pap test up to age 29, HPV test from 30
- When
- Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5
Colorectal cancer
- Who
- Men and women aged 50 to 69 (up to 74 in some Regions)
- Test
- Faecal occult blood test, with a sample collected at home
- When
- Every 2 years
Regular check-ups with your GP also matter, such as blood pressure and blood tests, as often as suits your age and risk profile.
Vaccines for adults
Some vaccines are needed throughout life and are free for those entitled to them. Ask your GP or local health authority.
Flu
From age 60 and for people at risk of any age, every autumn.
Pneumococcus
At 65 and for people at risk: protects against pneumonia and other serious infections.
Shingles (herpes zoster)
At 65 and for people at risk: protects against shingles and the pain it can leave.
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
For all adults: a booster every 10 years and in every pregnancy.
HPV (papillomavirus)
From age 11–12, with catch-up for those not vaccinated: protects against some cancers.
COVID-19
Especially for older and frail people, following the guidance the Ministry of Health updates every year.
Giving blood
A gesture that helps people who are ill or need surgery.
Who can give
From 18 to 65, weighing at least 50 kg and in good health.
How often
Up to 4 times a year; twice a year for women of childbearing age.
Where
At transfusion centres and donor associations, such as AVIS and FIDAS.
With GRACE, prevention earns points
Exercise, screening, vaccinations and blood donations become points to spend on rewards.
How to earn pointsSources: World Health Organization; Italian National Institute of Health (EpiCentro); Italian Ministry of Health, National Vaccine Prevention Plan 2023–2025 and vaccination calendar; National Blood Centre. Ages and intervals may vary between Regions.
This information is general and does not replace your doctor’s advice. For the rules in your Region, ask your GP or local health authority.