Health checks for women

Heart health checks

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for Australian women. You might not know if you are developing heart disease, so regular check-ups are important.

Regular heart health checks (every 2 years) are recommended if you are aged between 45 and 79. People with diabetes should have checks from the age of 35. First Nations people should have checks from the age of 30.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They will also discuss your medical and family history, diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and weight, which may show risks for heart disease.

Diabetes health checks

Diabetes is a serious condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high. This can affect many parts of the body and lead to serious complications if not managed.

A blood test that checks your level of blood glucose is used to diagnose diabetes.

Normal blood sugar should range from 4 to 7.8 mmol/L. If your blood sugar levels are higher than this, you might have prediabetes or diabetes and may need more tests.

If you are aged over 40, your risk of type 2 diabetes should be checked every 3 years. If you are at risk, your doctor will order a diabetes test to check your blood sugar levels. First Nations people should have diabetes tests every year from the age of 18.

Cervical screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

You need a cervical screening test if:

• you are a woman or person with a cervix
• you are aged 25 to 74

and

• you have ever had sexual contact with another person, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

You need to have a test every 5 years between the ages of 25 and 74.

Your healthcare provider can do the cervical screening test, or you can collect the sample yourself. Ask your doctor for more information about self-collection.

Sexual health checks

If you are sexually active, it’s important to have regular sexual health checks. Your doctor may:

• ask questions about your medical history
• ask questions about your sexual history, including the type of sex you’ve had and who you’re having sex with
• do an examination of your vulva and vagina (with your consent)
• do a cervical screening test if it’s due
• test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), (done by blood tests, urine tests or swabs).

If you have an STI, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.

During a sexual health check, you can also talk to your doctor about any sexual problems you are having and ask about contraception.

A sexual health check is recommended if you:

• think you have an STI
• have a new sexual partner
• have symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain or itching
• know your partner has an STI
• have had unprotected sex
• are concerned about your sexual health.

Talk to your doctor about your situation and ask how often you should get checked.

Breast health checks for women

Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances for successful treatment. You can follow three important steps to check your breasts:

1. Get to know how your breasts look and feel so you can notice any unusual changes (e.g. a new lump or thickening in the breast).
2. Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
3. Have a breast screen (mammogram or X-ray) every 2 years between the ages of 50 and 74 to check for breast cancer.

If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor will tell you how often you need to be screened.

Bowel cancer health checks for women

Bowel cancer is a common cancer. If detected early, 99% of cases can be treated successfully.

If you are aged between 45 and 74, you can get a free bowel screening test every 2 years. This tests for blood in your poo, which may be a sign of bowel cancer. You can do this test at home and post the samples off for testing. You will get your results within 2 weeks.

It’s recommended you do this test every 2 years. If you get a positive result, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test such as a colonoscopy.

Bone health checks for women

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and break more easily.

A bone health check assesses your risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g. family history and intake of calcium and vitamin D).

Menopause can increase your risk of osteoporosis. You should have a bone health check every year after menopause. If you are over 70 or at risk of osteoporosis, your doctor might suggest a bone density scan (DXA) to check for osteoporosis.

Immunisation

Immunisations (also called ‘vaccinations’) strengthen your immune system by helping it to recognise and fight specific germs. It’s recommended you:

• have an immunisation review before travelling overseas
• have a flu vaccination every year
• have COVID-19 vaccination boosters as recommended.

You can also ask your doctor about any other immunisations that you might need.

Other health checks

Some health checks are recommended regardless of your age. These include:

• a skin check every year
• an eye test every 2 years, or as needed
• a hearing test if you notice any hearing loss
• a dental check and clean every year (some dentists recommend every 6 months).

You may need other regular tests not listed here, such as a pre-pregnancy check if you plan to become pregnant. Ask your doctor if there are any other checks you need.

More information

For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

Where to get help

• GP (doctor)
• Gynaecologist
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
• Cancer Council Victoria – call 13 11 20