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Our Health checks for women poster is currently being redesigned. It will be available for download in English and other languages soon. In the meantime, you can find our quick guide to the health checks women need below. You can also check our our online Her Health Check tool.
Your guide to what checks you need and when
At least every 2 years from age 18. From your 30s or 40s, you can have a blood pressure check as part of your heart health check.
Once a year from age 50 for First Nations women. For the wider community, ask your doctor if you need an assessment from age 50.
Every 2 years from age 45 to 74. If you have a family history of bowel cancer or notice unusual changes (e.g. blood in your poo), speak to your doctor.
Every 2 years from age 50 to 74. If you have a higher risk or family history of breast cancer, you may need to screen earlier or more often.
Regularly for all ages. Get to know your breasts by feeling and looking at them (e.g. while dressing). Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Every 5 years from age 25 to 74 if you’ve ever had sexual contact.
Ask your dentist how often you need a check.
Every 2 years from age 18 or as recommended by your doctor or eye specialist. You may need more tests if you have risk factors, such as diabetes.
At least once a year from age 65 for the wider community and age 50 for First Nations women.
At any age if you notice changes in your hearing.
From age 45 for most women, 30 for First Nations women and 35 for women with diabetes. Ask your doctor how often you need a check.
For First Nations women, checks start at age 18. For the wider community, checks start at age 60 or earlier if you have risk factors. Speak to your doctor.
From age 50 to 70, if you smoke or used to smoke, you may qualify for screening. Speak to your doctor.
If you have mental health concerns, or often feel very sad, angry, worried or tired, speak to your doctor or someone else you trust.
As needed. Visit your doctor or midwife for checkups and information to support a healthy pregnancy.
Check your spots, freckles and moles regularly and if you notice changes, tell your doctor. Also ask them if you need regular checkups.
If you are sexually active, pregnant or planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor about checking for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
At least every 3 years from age 40. For First Nations women, regular screening starts at age 18.
At least once a year for women of all ages.
Once a year for First Nations women to check overall health.
Who can help?
- Your GP
- National Cancer Screening Register: 1800 627 701
- BreastScreen Australia: 13 20 50
- Your pharmacist, eye specialist and dentist.
Keeping up to date with your health checks is one of the best ways you can care for your health. This information is a general guide and does not replace advice from your doctor. You may need other or more frequent checks if you have a health condition or you’re at risk of one. If you notice any unusual or concerning changes to your body or health, visit your doctor.
Review process
Our review process
This information has been reviewed by clinical experts and is based on the latest evidence.
Our content review process ensures our health information is accurate, trustworthy, current and useful.
We regularly check our information to make sure it reflects the latest clinical guidelines and key findings from large, reliable studies.
Where possible, we focus on Australian research to make our information more relevant locally.
Experts play a key role in reviewing our content. Clinicians at Jean Hailes check information for accuracy and real‑world relevance. These include GPs, gynaecologists, endocrinologists, psychologists and allied health professionals.
We also work with partner organisations, independent specialists and people with lived experience to make sure our content reflects both expert knowledge and the experiences of the community.
