Health checks for your age

A bone health assessment helps to work out your risk of osteoporosis. It can involve answering questions about your:

• health
• family history
• calcium and vitamin D intake.

There are different tests to check your bone health. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, your doctor may give you a referral to get a bone density scan called a DXA scan.

A DXA scan is a special X-ray that measures your bone mineral density. It can also be used to:

• confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
• check how much bone loss has happened
• check if treatments for osteoporosis are working.

Your doctor may also ask for blood tests to check your:

calcium and vitamin D levels
thyroid function – problems with your thyroid can lead to osteoporosis.

You can check your bone health with this Know Your Bones self-assessment tool on the Know Your Bones website.

If you’re 50 or older, ask your doctor if you need a bone health assessment.

If you’re a First Nations woman, it’s recommended you have a bone health assessment every year from age 50.

Learn more about bone health.

For most women, bowel cancer screening is recommended every 2 years from the age of 45 to 74.

See your doctor if you:

• have a family history of bowel cancer or bowel polyps (small growths)
• notice unusual changes, such as blood in your poo or unexpected weight loss.

If you’re aged between 50 and 74, you get a free bowel cancer test kit in the mail every 2 years. From the age of 45 to 49 years, you can apply for a free test kit.

You can do the test at home. Collect 2 tiny samples from 2 different poos and send them in the mail to a laboratory. You and your doctor usually get the results within 4 weeks.

If there are tiny amounts of blood detected in your poo sample, your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy. This doesn’t mean you have cancer. Internal haemorrhoids or polyps in the colon can cause bleeding.

Some types of polyps can develop into cancer over many years, so it’s good to have these checked and removed.

From age 75, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening.

Read more about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Learn more about bowel health.

Breast cancer screening (mammogram) is a safe X-ray of your breasts to check for cancer before there are signs or symptoms.

Screening and early detection of cancer gives you the best chance of effective treatment.

BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program for people who have no obvious symptoms of breast cancer.

It’s funded through Medicare with no out-of-pocket costs.

To learn more, visit the BreastScreen Australia website.

You may prefer to have a breast cancer screening with a private service provider (outside of the BreastScreen program). You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket costs for this service. Your doctor can recommend a private service provider near you.

When should you have breast cancer screening?

All ages

Tell your doctor if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or if you notice unusual changes to your breasts.

Aged 40 to 49

You can have a free breast screen every 2 years. Ask your doctor if breast cancer screening is a good option for you.

Aged 50 to 74

You are invited for a free breast screen every 2 years from age 50 to 74. Even if you feel healthy, it’s a good idea to book your breast screen.

From 75 years

Ask your doctor if breast cancer screening is a good option for you. Screening is free for women aged 75 and over without breast cancer symptoms.

Learn more about breast health.

It’s important to know how your breasts usually look and feel so you can tell your doctor if you notice any changes.

Changes to look for include:

• new lumps in your breast or armpit
• thickening or swelling
• changes in the shape of your breast
• changes in the size of your breast
• changes in the colour of your breast
• changes in your nipple
• discharge from your nipple.

Learn more about breast self-checks.

The Cervical Screening Test (like a pap smear) checks for human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Having regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Cervical screening starts at the age of 25 if you’ve ever had sexual contact. Before then, tell your doctor if you have:

• pain during sex
• unusual bleeding from your vagina
• unusual discharge from your vagina.

Between the ages of 25 and 74 years, cervical screening is recommended every 5 years.

From the age of 75, ask your doctor if regular cervical screening is right for you. Screening is available if you need it.

For more information, visit the National Cervical Screening Program website.

How is the cervical screening test done?

You can see a healthcare professional to take a sample for testing, or you may prefer to take your own sample (self-collection) at a health centre or clinic.

If a healthcare professional takes a sample

You’ll need to take off your clothes below the waist and lie on your back with your knees apart. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself.

The healthcare professional will gently insert a speculum (duck-bill-shaped device) into your vagina. Then, they’ll use a small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix. This might feel strange, but it shouldn’t hurt.

You can ask for a female health professional if you prefer.

If you take your own sample

You’ll need to do this at your health centre or clinic. A healthcare professional will explain how to do the test. You can do it in private or ask them to help.

To collect your own sample:

• insert a swab into your vagina
• gently move the swab in a circular motion for 10 to 30 seconds – this may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt
• remove the swab from your vagina
• place the swab back in the packaging provided.

Self-collection is just as safe and accurate as having a healthcare professional take a sample.

Learn about the cervical screening test in other languages.

Regular dental checks help keep your teeth and gums healthy and manage any issues early. Your dentist can tell you how often you need a check.

It’s recommended you have an eye test every 2 years between the ages of 18 and 50.

If you’re over 50, ask your doctor or eye specialist about your risk of eye disease, especially if you have risk factors, such as:

• diabetes
• short-sightedness
• abnormal blood pressure.

From the age of 65, check in with your doctor about your risk of falls. If you’re a First Nations woman, check in from the age of 50.

Tell your doctor if you’ve had a fall or feel unsteady when standing or walking.

If you notice changes in your hearing, it’s important to visit your doctor. You may need a hearing test to check for hearing loss.

A heart health check is an appointment with your doctor to check your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

You can get your blood pressure and cholesterol tested regularly as part of a heart health check, which is available from the age of:

• 45 to 79 for most women
• 30 to 79 for First Nations women
• 35 to 79 for women with diabetes.

Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure how often you need a heart health check.

From age 80, ask your doctor about your risks and how often to have checks.

Find out more about heart health checks.

If you’re aged between 50 and 70, you may qualify for a lung cancer screening program, depending on your smoking history. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you.

Tell your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms related to:

• menopause
• perimenopause
• premature ovarian insufficiency.

You may qualify for a menopause assessment, even if you have symptoms earlier than the expected age of menopause.

Mental health struggles are common, but the earlier you get help, the better your chances of feeling better.

Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms, such as:

• intense sadness
• irritability
• fatigue
• anxiety
• sleep problems.

You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

First Nations people can call 13YARN (13 92 76).

In an emergency, call 000.

It’s important to visit your doctor or midwife for checkups and information to support a healthy pregnancy.

They’ll explain the different tests, scans and screenings you might need.

Learn more about reproductive health

If you’re sexually active it’s important to have regular sexual health checks. Your doctor may:

• ask questions about your medical history
• ask questions about your sexual activity, including the type of
• sex you’ve had and who you’re having sex with
• do an examination of your vulva and vagina (with your consent)
• do a cervical screening test if it’s due
• do tests to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

During a sexual health check, you can also talk to your doctor about any sexual problems you’re having and ask about contraception.

If you’re unsure how often to get a check, ask your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.

Learn more about sex and sexual health.

Sexually transmitted infection checks

You may need an STI check for different reasons. For example, if:

• you have symptoms of an STI
• a current or previous sexual partner has an STI
• you have a new partner, and you want to make sure you’re both
• free from STIs before having sex
• you’re planning a pregnancy or are pregnant – STIs can impact the health of you and your baby.

If you think you might have an STI, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. An early diagnosis and treatment may reduce your risk of developing more health problems in the future.

Your doctor may do different tests, for example, a blood or urine (wee) test. They may also take a sample (swab) to send to the laboratory for testing.

If you have an STI, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options.

Read more about what happens when you go for an STI check.

Knowing what your skin normally looks like can help you notice changes. Check your:

• spots
• freckles
• moles.

If you see any changes, tell your doctor. Ask about your skin cancer risk and how often you need checkups.

Learn how to check for signs of skin cancer on the Cancer Council website.

The annual 715 health check is a free check for First Nations people of all ages. It can help you stay strong and healthy. During the health check, a doctor or health worker may:

• ask about your health
• do some tests
• suggest follow-up care if needed.

If you haven’t had a 715 health check, ask your local clinic if it’s available.

Learn more about First Nations health

From the age of 40, it’s recommended you screen for type 2 diabetes every 3 years.

You can use the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool to assess your risk at any age. See your doctor if you’re at higher risk.

Vaccinations help keep you, your family and community healthy. Your vaccination needs depend on different factors, such as your:

• age
• health
• lifestyle
• job
• travel plans.

Each year, ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.

For more information about when to get vaccinated, visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. There are 2 blood pressure measures:

• Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart beats while pumping blood.
• Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Normal blood pressure should be less than 120/80 (120 systolic pressure over 80 diastolic pressure).

Have a blood pressure check at least every 2 years from age 18.
You can get your blood pressure checked regularly as part of a heart health check.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. You need cholesterol for your body to work properly, but too much is a problem.

Your liver makes most of the cholesterol in your body. The rest comes from the food you eat.

Cholesterol is made up of:

• low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because it can stick to the arteries and cause cardiovascular disease. When a blood cholesterol reading is high, it usually means LDL levels are high.

You may have higher LDL levels if your diet is high in saturated fat. For example, if you eat too much:

• butter
• cheese
• fatty meat.

HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your body. High HDL levels are a good sign.

You can increase HDL levels by eating more polyunsaturated fats, such as:

• safflower oil
• salmon
• walnuts
• sunflower seeds.

A cholesterol test may also measure triglycerides – another kind of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.

Learn more about eating for good health

Cholesterol levels

If your cholesterol levels are too high, it can increase your risk of heart disease. You may not have signs of high cholesterol, so it’s important to get your levels checked.

The recommended cholesterol levels depend on your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The lower the LDL and the higher the HDL, the better.

Recommended cholesterol levels for the general population:

• Total cholesterol – less than 5.5 mmol/L
• LDL (bad cholesterol) – less than 2.0 mmol/L
• HDL (good cholesterol) – more than 1.0 mmol/L
• Triglycerides – less than 2.0 mmol/L

Recommended cholesterol levels for people at higher risk of heart disease:

• Total cholesterol – less than 4.0 mmol/L
• LDL (bad cholesterol) – less than 1.8 mmol/L
• HDL (good cholesterol) – more than 1.0 mmol/L
• Triglycerides – less than 2.0 mmol/L

You can get your cholesterol tested regularly as part of a heart health check.

Learn more about heart health

Diabetes is when the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high.
You can have type 2 diabetes without knowing it, so screening is important.

When diabetes isn’t managed, it can damage your:

• blood vessels
• organs, such as the eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves.

Normal blood sugar should range from 4 to 7.8 mmol/L. If your blood sugar levels are higher than this, you might have prediabetes or diabetes, and you may need more tests.

Learn about type 2 diabetes checks.

One common measure of whether a person is overweight is the body mass index (BMI). Keep in mind that BMI doesn’t give an accurate measure fat versus muscle mass.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of your height in metres (m).

A BMI of:

• less than 18.5 is underweight
• 18.5 to 24.9 is a healthy weight
• 25 to 29.9 is overweight but not obese
• 30 and above is obese.

BMI is only one health measure. It doesn’t consider other risk factors for disease, such as:

• gender
• ethnicity
• lifestyle
• family history
• other health conditions.

For more information about how to calculate your BMI, visit the Better Health Channel website.

Your waist measurement can show if you are at risk of:

heart disease
type 2 diabetes.

If your waist measurement is more than 80 cm, you’re at a higher risk of these diseases.

The risk is much higher if you waist measurement is over 88 cm.
When assessing your risk, your doctor will consider your:

• BMI
• waist measurement
• blood cholesterol
• blood pressure
• blood sugar (glucose).

Learn more about heart health.

A professional organisation providing expert information and clinician-endorsed resources about menopause. It helps women understand their symptoms and find qualified menopause specialists.

Contact AMS

An Australian mental health organisation offering free resources, support, and a 24/7 helpline. It’s helpful for women managing anxiety, depression or emotional stress during midlife.

Contact Beyond Blue

A statewide health promotion organisation focused on improving women’s health through research, education and advocacy. It supports women with accessible, gender-informed health resources.

Contact Women’s Health Victoria

A national helpline for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence. It provides confidential support, which is particularly vital for midlife women who may experience overlooked or underreported abuse.

Contact http://1800respect.org.au