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Women’s Health

Posted in Your Health on 16/02/2026

Women’s Health

Women’s Health: Key Check-Ups Every Woman Should Have

Looking after your health isn’t just about seeing a doctor when something feels wrong. Many conditions – including cervical cancer and breast cancer – can develop without symptoms in their early stages. Regular health checks help detect problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Your recommended checks will vary depending on your age, medical history, family history and personal risk factors – but there are some screenings every woman (and people with a cervix) should prioritise.

Why Regular Health Checks Matter

Routine check-ups:

  • Detect early signs of illness
  • Identify risk factors before disease develops
  • Help monitor existing conditions
  • Provide an opportunity to discuss preventive care

You may feel completely well and still benefit from screening. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

General Health Checks (All Ages)

Regardless of age, consider the following:

  • Annual skin check (see our Skin Cancer post for more details)
  • Eye test every 2 years, or more often if advised
  • Hearing test if you notice hearing loss
  • Dental check and clean annually (some dentists recommend 6-monthly)
  • Cervical Screening Test (CST)
  • Sexual health check when indicated
  • Breast awareness and self-checks

Breast Health

Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chance of successful treatment.

Monthly Self-Checks

Everyone’s breasts feel different. Become familiar with how yours normally look and feel.

See your GP if you notice:

  • A new lump in the breast or armpit
  • Thickening or swelling
  • Changes in shape, size, or colour
  • Nipple discharge
  • Changes in nipple appearance

Learn more about breast self-checks from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

BreastScreen Australia

Women aged 50-74 are recommended to have a BreastScreen every 2 years.

If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, screening frequency may differ – speak with your GP.

Assessing Your Breast Cancer Risk

If you do not have breast cancer but have a family history, you may wish to use iPrevent (developed by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre). This tool estimates your individual breast cancer risk and provides a personalised action plan to discuss with your doctor.

Cervical Screening Test (CST)

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

The CST screens for human papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common virus that can cause changes to cervical cells. Most HPV infections clear naturally, but persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer.

Who Should Have a CST?

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever had any type of sexual contact – regardless of gender or sexual identity.

Sexual contact includes:

  • Intercourse
  • Oral sex
  • Intimate genital skin contact
  • Anal sex

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted even when using condoms.

Screening Frequency

The CST is done every 5 years.

You should still screen even if you:

  • Have had the HPV vaccine
  • Are not currently sexually active
  • Have had only one partner
  • Are in a long-term relationship
  • Are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or non-binary (with a cervix)
  • Are pregnant
  • Have had a baby
  • Are postmenopausal
  • Feel healthy and have no symptoms

More information is available via the Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health.

Self-Collection Option

There are now two equally accurate screening options:

  • Self-collection of a vaginal sample (your healthcare provider provides the kit and instructions)
  • Clinician-collected sample

Talk to your GP or nurse about which option is right for you.

See Your Doctor Earlier If You Experience:

  • Unexplained bleeding after sex
  • Persistent bleeding between periods
  • Postmenopausal bleeding
  • Ongoing unusual vaginal discharge

Reproductive & Sexual Health

Sexual health checks are recommended if you:

  • Have a new sexual partner
  • Think you may have an STI
  • Experience unusual discharge, pain, or itching
  • Know your partner has an STI
  • Have had unprotected sex
  • Have any concerns about your sexual health

Screening before starting a new sexual relationship is encouraged.

Contraception & Family Planning

There are many contraception options available to prevent unplanned pregnancy. These include:

  • Oral contraceptive pill
  • IUD
  • Implant
  • Injection
  • Barrier methods
  • Permanent options

Your healthcare provider can help you choose the method that best suits your health needs and lifestyle.

If you’re planning to start a family, consider booking a preconception counselling appointment. This allows you to:

  • Optimise your health before pregnancy
  • Review medications
  • Start appropriate supplements (e.g. folate)
  • Discuss genetic or family history concerns

The Bottom Line

Women’s health screening isn’t one-size-fits-all – but regular preventive care is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term wellbeing.

If you’re unsure which checks you’re due for, book a women’s health appointment with your GP. A proactive conversation today can make a significant difference to your health tomorrow.