A study has discovered the exact age we start to take our health seriously - in an awareness campaign backed by TV star and breast cancer sufferer Julia Bradbury. And the research found two thirds (65%) of midlife UK adults are more likely to pay attention to road signs than to new or unusual signals from their own bodies.

The study, commissionedby leading UK private diagnostics provider Vista Health for its 'Signs of Clarity' campaign, showed 51%of respondents would like greater health peace of mind. According to their research of 2,000 middle-aged Brits, the age when we start to take our health seriously is 38.

The study shows putting on weight (27%), feeling generally unfit (24%) and reaching a milestone birthday (22%) are the most common signals that prompt us to start looking after ourselves.

Other health prompts include a history of family illness (20%), an actual diagnosis (20%) and the death of a family member (17%). Two in three (65%) admitted checking symptoms on Google rather than seeking professional help.

However, more than three quarters (76%) aren't sure which symptoms are worth checking, with 54% admitting they initially ignored warning signs.

The campaign is supported by Julia Bradbury, who has shared her experience of the importance of listening to your body in midlife, following her breast cancer diagnosis and, more recently, the discovery of a brain cyst.

Julia said: "You know your body better than anyone, and paying attention to the signs it gives you, especially new or persistent changes, is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health. For me, noticing those changes led to critical diagnoses.

"Midlife is a turning point, when you can start to understand your body better and to feel confident about seeking advice when something doesn't feel right.

"This isn't about a health crisis; it's about using those signs to take control of your health now and for the years to come."

TV presenter Julia Bradbury recently opened up about a second lump discovered after her 2021 breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy - this time on her back, found during a massage.

Luckily it was benign, but doctors warned her the "capsule" surrounding it had torn and therefore there is a slight risk that it could transition into a type of cancer called liposarcoma.

It's not the only health concern Julia has faced in recent years - last year during an MRI she revealed "a benign cyst was found next to the pineal gland deep in the centre of my brain". Julia said she may have been born with it and no surgery was needed.

*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***

Dr Reem Hasan, NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health, said of their study: "Many of the symptoms' people experience in midlife are easy to dismiss or explain away, and our research shows just how common that is.

"While midlife marks a pivotal moment when people begin to take their health more seriously, too many still struggle to recognise which symptoms truly need attention. At the same time, demand for private diagnostic scans and screenings is rising, as more people seek clarity and reassurance when symptoms feel new, persistent or hard to explain.

"While not every symptom is a sign of something serious, our bodies are very good at sending early warning signals. The problem is, we have become very good at ignoring them.

"Midlife is an opportunity to tune into your body, ask the right questions and take control of your health with confidence rather than fear. Just as warning signs on the road are there to protect us, the warning signs from our bodies deserve the same attention. These signals are there to slow us down, prompt a check-in and help us recognise when it's time to seek advice.

"Diagnostic scans and health checks can play an important role at this stage of life. They offer clarity, reassurance and a better understanding of what's happening beneath the surface, empowering people to make informed decisions about their health, rather than living with uncertainty."

TOP 10 SIGNALS TO TAKE CONTROL OF MIDLIFE HEALTH:

Putting on weight - 27%

Feeling unfit - 24.3%

Reaching a milestone birthday - 22.4%

Family history - 20.3%

A diagnosis - 20.1%

Death of a family member - 17%

A new symptom - 13.7%

A recurring symptom - 12.2%

Becoming a parent - 9.3%

Financial pressures - 6.4%.