General Health

Women’s health checks by age: what to book and when

Like many women, you’re probably at the bottom of your own to-do list. The kids’ appointments get booked before yours do. Work…

Like many women, you’re probably at the bottom of your own to-do list. The kids’ appointments get booked before yours do. Work is flat out. The cervical screening reminder text sits unread for three months, then six. You know women’s preventive healthcare matters, but there’s always something more urgent.

Once you do manage to carve out some time, what should you be getting checked? There’s no single answer to that. It depends on your age and life stage, family history, sexual activity, and overall health.

An ongoing relationship with a GP, rather than a one-off appointment, often makes it easier to stay on top of your health needs. Broadly, here are the health checks women should consider at each stage of life.

Your 20s and 30s: laying the groundwork

At this age, it’s worth finding a GP you like and seeing them consistently when you need to. This builds a relationship over time and makes it less daunting to talk about bigger issues if or when you need to.

And some big issues do creep up in your 20s and 30s – contraception and fertility concerns, pregnancy care, heavy periods, endometriosis, and mental health difficulties, to name just a few.

Your 20s and 30s are a good time to raise anything that’s nagging at you: contraception that isn’t working for you, periods that are heavier or more painful than they should be, questions about fertility or pregnancy timing. None of it needs to wait for a “real” reason.

Cervical screening

If you’re over 25, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, then you’re eligible for cervical screening every 5 years under the National Cervical Screening Program.

The old Pap smear has been replaced with a new test that checks for HPV, the virus behind most cervical cell changes. Our GPs can collect your sample, or you can do the swab yourself if you prefer.

STI testing

Many sexually transmitted infections are slow to show symptoms, meaning you may have one without knowing it. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have started a new relationship or have any reason for concern, please book an appointment with our GPs for a blood or urine test. Results are usually available within a couple of days.

Your 40s and 50s: the checklist gets longer

By this age, you can’t take good health for granted. You’re eligible for more preventive checks, and you may also have new things to discuss with your doctor, such as perimenopause.

45-49-year-old health check

If you’re at risk of developing a chronic condition, your GP may recommend a Medicare-funded health check for 45-49-year-olds. Your GP will usually discuss your full health history, conduct an examination and test your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. They’ll also discuss lifestyle issues like your weight, diet, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity levels.

From there, your GP can develop a preventive plan to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes, for example.

Cancer screening

You remain eligible for cervical screening every 5 years, and you become eligible for two new cancer screening programs too.

Once you hit 40, you can choose to have a free mammogram every 2 years through BreastScreen Australia. Once you hit 50, you’ll receive regular invitations to this service, which aims to identify any early signs of breast cancer.

From age 45-74, you’re eligible for a simple at-home test under the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program every two years. If you were a Dawson’s Creek fan, you’ll be aware of James Van Der Beek’s recent death from bowel cancer, which is increasingly affecting younger age groups. When the test arrives in your letterbox, please don’t ignore it – if it’s identified early, it’s often easier to treat.

Remember, cancer screening is for people without symptoms. If you do have any symptoms, such as a breast change, unexpected bleeding or a shift in bowel habits, please see your GP immediately.

Your 60s and beyond: staying ahead of it

Preventive care doesn’t stop mattering once menopause is behind you. If anything, appointments start pulling more threads together at once: bone density, medications, mobility, cardiovascular risk, and ongoing screening.

All 3 cancer screening programs generally continue until age 74. In addition, it’s worth being proactive about maintaining your bone health as osteoporosis risk increases after menopause.

Personalised care at every age and stage of life

Screening programs are valuable, and we encourage you to participate. However, they’re based on population health models, not built for you specifically. Family history, past results, symptoms, sexual health, pregnancy plans and existing conditions can all shift the timeline earlier, or mean certain checks should be done more often.

At the Banyans Medical Centre, our GPs consider far more than your age. We look at preventive care in the context of your whole health history and can guide you on what to prioritise and when.

If it’s been a while since you were top of your own list, then please put yourself at the top of ours. Book an appointment for a women’s health care review in Bowen Hills and we’ll help you work out the next steps.

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Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

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