Women’s Health Screenings by Age: What Should You Be Checking?
Women’s health needs can change significantly throughout life. Regular health checks and screening can help identify certain conditions early and provide an opportunity to discuss concerns before they become more serious.
There isn’t one checklist that applies to every woman. Your recommended health checks depend on your age, personal and family medical history, lifestyle, reproductive health and individual risk factors.
Here’s a general guide to some important women’s health screenings and discussions throughout different stages of life.
In Your 20s: Establish Healthy Habits
Your 20s are an excellent time to establish a relationship with a GP and develop healthy habits that can benefit you throughout your life.
Depending on your individual circumstances, appointments may include discussions about:
- General health and wellbeing
- Mental health
- Sexual health
- Contraception
- Menstrual health
- Pregnancy planning
- Immunisations
- Lifestyle and nutrition
- Blood pressure and other routine health measurements
Cervical Screening
In Australia, people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who are sexually active or have ever been sexually active are eligible for the Medicare-subsidised Cervical Screening Test.
The Cervical Screening Test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancers. Screening is generally performed every five years.
Talk with your GP about when your cervical screening is due and which screening option is appropriate for you.
Sexual Health
Many sexually transmissible infections don’t cause symptoms, so testing can be important even when you feel well.
Testing recommendations depend on your sexual activity and individual risk factors. Your GP can discuss confidential sexual health testing with you.
In Your 30s: Monitor Your Changing Health Needs
Your 30s can bring changes in work, relationships, pregnancy, parenting and lifestyle.
This is a good time to continue regular health checks and discuss any changes in your health.
Your GP may discuss:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and metabolic health
- Mental wellbeing
- Family planning
- Pregnancy and pre-pregnancy health
- Contraception
- Menstrual changes
- Sexual health
- Cervical screening
- Lifestyle factors
If you’re planning a pregnancy, a pre-conception appointment can provide an opportunity to discuss your health, medications, vaccinations and other factors relevant to pregnancy.
In Your 40s: Start Thinking More About Preventive Screening
Your 40s can be an important time to become more proactive about preventive healthcare.
Your GP can help assess your individual risk factors and determine which screening or health assessments may be appropriate.
Breast Health
Breast screening recommendations depend on your age, risk factors and personal circumstances.
BreastScreen Australia provides free mammograms through the national program for eligible women aged 50 to 74 every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 and those aged 75 and over may also be eligible for a free screen, although they are not routinely invited.
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, previous breast cancer or breast symptoms, speak with your doctor about the most appropriate approach for you.
Bowel Cancer Screening
From 1 July 2024, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program lowered the eligible starting age from 50 to 45.
People aged 45 to 74 can participate in the program, with eligible participants generally receiving screening every two years.
Your GP can also discuss your individual bowel cancer risk and whether additional assessment is appropriate.
In Your 50s: Keep Screening on Your Radar
Your 50s are an important time to stay up to date with preventive health checks.
Breast Screening
Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Australia.
Even if you feel completely healthy, screening can help detect breast cancers before they can be seen or felt.
If you notice a new breast lump, change in breast appearance, nipple changes or other unusual symptoms, don’t wait for your next routine screening appointment—speak with your doctor.
Cervical Screening
Continue cervical screening according to the recommended schedule until the age of 74, unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise. The current Australian program recommends screening every five years for eligible people aged 25 to 74.
Heart and Metabolic Health
Your GP may also assess factors such as:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes risk
- Weight
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history
These discussions can help identify cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors early.
In Your 60s: Focus on Healthy Ageing
As you move through your 60s, maintaining independence and quality of life becomes increasingly important.
Your GP can help you stay up to date with appropriate preventive healthcare and discuss:
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Bone and muscle health
- Falls risk
- Medication reviews
- Vaccinations
- Mental wellbeing
- Cancer screening
- Healthy nutrition
- Physical activity
Your individual health history becomes particularly important when deciding which tests and assessments you need.
In Your 70s and Beyond: Personalised Preventive Healthcare
Preventive healthcare doesn’t stop as you get older.
However, screening recommendations may change based on your age, health, life expectancy, existing medical conditions and individual preferences.
Your GP can help you decide which screening tests and health assessments are still appropriate and beneficial for you.
This is also a good time to review medications, vaccinations, mobility, nutrition, cognitive health and other factors affecting your quality of life.
Don’t Forget About Symptoms
Screening programs are designed for people who may not have symptoms. If you notice a concerning symptom, you should speak with your doctor rather than waiting for your next scheduled screening test.
This can include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Breast changes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Unusual fatigue
- New or changing skin lesions
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Persistent pain
Many health conditions are easier to manage when identified early, so don’t ignore changes that concern you.
Your Health Needs Are Individual
Age-based recommendations are useful as a general guide, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Your family history, previous medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and personal risk factors can all affect which health checks you may need and when.
A regular conversation with your GP can help you understand which screening and preventive health measures are appropriate for you.
Looking After Your Health Starts Today
Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s or beyond, preventive healthcare is an important part of maintaining your wellbeing.
If you’re overdue for a health check or have questions about women’s health screening, speak with your GP at Narre Warren Clinic.
Book an appointment with Narre Warren Clinic to discuss your individual women’s health needs and recommended screening.
Medical disclaimer: This article provides general information about women’s health screening in Australia and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Screening recommendations can change and may differ depending on your individual circumstances, medical history and risk factors. Speak with your GP about the screening schedule appropriate for you.
