Summary
Read the full fact sheet- See your GP for regular medical check-ups.
- Screening tests help GPs to detect many diseases, such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers in their early stages.
- Women at high risk of a particular disease should be regularly tested.
On this page
- Heart health checks
- Diabetes health checks
- Cervical screening
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
- Breast cancer health checks for women
- Bowel cancer health checks for women
- Bone density health checks for women
- Eye health checks
- Dental checks for women
- Skin checks for women
- Immunisation for women
- Other health tests for women
- More information
- Where to get help
It is important to see your GP (doctor) for regular health checks. The checks can pick up early signs of disease or illness, which means you will get treatment earlier. A general check-up is recommended once a year. If you are at higher risk of a disease or condition, you may need to get checked more often.
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 two years) are recommended if you are aged 45 years and over (or in your 30s if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent). Your doctor will check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They will also discuss your medical and family history, diet and exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and weight, which may show risks for heart disease.
Diabetes health checks
Diabetes is a serious condition where glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. This can affect many parts of the body and lead to serious complications if not managed.
Tests for diabetes include a laboratory blood glucose test ordered by your doctor (not using a home blood glucose meter). The most common test is the fasting blood glucose test (no food or fluid except water for eight hours before). Others include a test taken anytime during the day with no preparation, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test, or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
Talk to your doctor about having your risk of diabetes assessed and how often you should be tested.
Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 5 years can be assessed by completing the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK), a short list of questions.
You can complete AUSDRISK by yourself, or with the help of a health professional or practice nurse.
You can complete the tool in one of 3 ways:
- using the online interactive version
- using the online non-interactive version
- downloading the pdf version and completing it on paper.
Your doctor may recommend that you be tested for type 2 diabetes if you have any of the following type 2 diabetes risk factors:
- have pre-diabetes
- have a family history of diabetes (for example, if you have a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes)
- are over 55 years. The risk increases with age
- are over 45 years and overweight and obese or have high blood pressure
- are over 35 years and from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or from a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background
- had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy
- have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- have cardiovascular disease such as past history of heart attack, angina, stroke or narrowed blood vessels
- taking certain antipsychotic medication or corticosteroid medication.
Other lifestyle risk factors include:
- being overweight or obese, especially around the waist
- sedentary lifestyle – having low levels of physical activity, including more than two hours of television watching per day
- unhealthy eating habits, such as regularly choosing high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt or low-fibre foods
- cigarette smoking.
Cervical screening
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
The cervical screening test checks the health of your cervix. This test is like a pap smear, but it specifically checks for human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common virus that can change cells in your cervix. It is the most common cause of cervical cancer.
You need a cervical screening test if:
- you are a woman or person with a cervix
- you are aged 25 to 74 years; and
- you have ever had sexual contact with another person, regardless of gender or sexual identity.
It’s important to have a test, even if you have been vaccinated for HPV. While the HPV vaccine is highly effective, it doesn’t prevent all HPV infections.
You need to have a test every five years between the ages of 25 and 74 years.
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.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
If you are sexually active and have unprotected sex, you might get an STI. Some STIs don’t have obvious symptoms and others (e.g. chlamydia or gonorrhoea) can affect your fertility. STI screening is recommended if:
- your partner has recently had an STI
- you have a new partner
- you frequently change partners.
Talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested.
Breast cancer 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:
- 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).
- Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
- Have a screening mammogram (breast X-ray) every two years between the ages of 50 and 74 years.
If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor will advise how often you need to be screened.
To make your Breast Screening appointment or to learn more, visit BreastScreen Victoria or Tel. 13 20 50.
Bowel cancer health checks for women
Bowel cancer is a common cancer. If detected early, 90% of cases can be treated successfully.
If you are aged between 50 and 74 years, you will be sent a free, simple test through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. 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 two weeks. It’s recommended you do this test every two years.
If you get a positive result, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test such as a colonoscopy.
Bone density health checks for women
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle. Bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily. Menopause can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about your risk and ways to maintain strong bones. If you are over 70 years or at risk of osteoporosis, your doctor might suggest a bone density scan (DXA), which checks the health of your bones.
Eye health checks
About 90% of all blindness and vision impairment can be prevented or treated if detected early. That’s why regular eye checks are recommended for everyone.
If you don’t have any eye diseases or risk factors for eye disease, you should have an eye check every two years. Common eye conditions that cause vision loss include:
If you are diagnosed with any eye disease or vision problems, your eye specialist will advise how often you need to be checked.
Dental checks for women
Good oral health is important for overall health and wellbeing. It’s recommended you have a general dental check every six to 12 months.
Skin checks for women
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. You can check for skin changes. For example:
- new spots or moles
- changes to existing spots or moles (e.g. colour, size, shape, thickness)
- crusty sores that don’t heal
- small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour.
If you notice any changes, see your doctor. Your doctor may suggest regular clinical skin examinations if you are at risk of skin cancer.
Immunisation for women
Immunisations (also called ‘vaccinations’) strengthen your immune system by helping it to recognise and fight specific germs. Some vaccinations are available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule. Vaccinations under this schedule are given at specific times from birth to adulthood.
It’s a good idea to check with your doctor if your childhood immunisations are up to date. If not, you may need a catch-up or booster immunisation.
Other vaccinations you may consider include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – given before becoming sexually active, this will help prevent cervical cancer
- Covid-19 vaccination and boosters
- Annual flu vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccine – recommended if you are 50 years or over
- Shingles (herpes zoster) – recommended if you are 60 years or over
- Pertussis (whooping cough) – recommended if you are pregnant, aged 50 years and again at 65 years.
Other health tests for women
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
- Your GP (doctor)
- Dentist
- Gynaecologist
- Eye specialist
- Pharmacist
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
- Cancer Council Victoria Tel. 13 11 20
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: About the program, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- National Immunisation Program Schedule, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Heart Foundation
- Diabetes Australia
- Breast Cancer Network Australia
- Healthy Bones Australia
- RACGP Red Book, Communicable Diseases, Sexually transmissible infections
- National Cervical Screening Program: About HPV and cervical cancer, 2018, Australian Government Department of Health.
- Self-collection for the Cervical Screening Test, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: About the program, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- National Immunisation Program Schedule, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Heart Foundation
- Diabetes Australia
- Breast Cancer Network Australia
- Healthy Bones Australia