Health Check-Ups for Women

• Cervical Screening Test: Women aged 25 to 74 should have a Cervical Screening Test every five years to check for the presence of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer.
• Breast Health: While routine mammograms aren’t generally recommended until later in life, your GP can perform breast examinations and guide you on how to conduct regular self-checks.
• Sexual Health Checks: If you are sexually active, your GP can perform screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of your routine check-up.
• Vaccinations:
  • HPV vaccine for women up to age 25 (if not previously vaccinated) to protect against cervical cancer.
    Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, particularly if you are planning a pregnancy or are around young children.
  • Regular flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines as per national guidelines.
• Mental Health Checks: Life transitions, career pressures, or hormonal changes can affect mental well-being. A mental health check-up can provide support if you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Mammograms: Women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every two years as part of Australia’s BreastScreen Program to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women aged 40 to 49 may also choose to have regular breast screens.
• Heart Health Checks: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, so your GP may recommend a heart health check, which includes assessing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors.
• Blood Sugar Levels: It’s recommended that women in this age group get tested for type 2 diabetes, particularly if they have risk factors like a family history or are overweight.
• Bowel Cancer Screening: Starting at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history, a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is recommended every two years to screen for early signs of bowel cancer.
• Kidney Health Checks: Blood and urine tests to assess kidney function are recommended, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.
• Bone Health: As you age, the risk of osteoporosis increases, particularly after menopause. Your GP may recommend a bone density test to assess your risk of fractures and provide advice on maintaining strong bones.
• Vaccinations:
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccines may be recommended.
  • Continue receiving seasonal flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters if required.
  • Shingles vaccinations are recommended after the age of 50 (although government funding can vary depending on your background)
• Menopause Management: Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments to manage symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

• Hearing and Vision Tests: Regular hearing and vision checks are important as you get older. Your GP can also screen for age-related conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
• Continued Cancer Screenings: It’s important to continue having cervical screening tests and mammograms until you are 74. Your GP will help you stay on top of these vital screenings.
• Vaccinations:
  • Continue with regular flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters as needed.

• Your GP will discuss your lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep patterns. This helps identify areas where changes can be made to improve your overall health and prevent future illnesses.

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. Your GP will measure your blood pressure and may recommend a cholesterol test to assess your heart health.

• For women aged 25 and over, regular Cervical Screening Tests are essential to check for HPV and prevent cervical cancer. This test is recommended every five years.

• Your GP can perform a breast examination and guide you on how to check for changes at home. For women over 50, mammograms are recommended every two years through BreastScreen Queensland.

• Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and early detection is crucial. For women over 50, we recommend regular faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) to check for early signs of bowel cancer. Our GPs will guide you through the process and discuss any necessary lifestyle changes or further investigations.

• Your kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste from your body and maintaining overall health. During your check-up, we assess your kidney function through blood and urine tests, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection of kidney problems can prevent further damage and help manage any underlying conditions.

• Testing your blood sugar levels helps identify your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is especially important if you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.

• For women over 50, a bone density test can assess the risk of osteoporosis. Your GP will provide advice on maintaining bone health and preventing fractures.

• Mental health is just as important as physical health. During your check-up, your GP may ask about your emotional well-being and can offer advice or referrals to mental health specialists if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

• Staying up to date with your vaccinations is essential for protecting your health. During your health check-up, our GPs will review your vaccination history and recommend any necessary updates, including:
  • Seasonal flu vaccines to protect against influenza.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, especially for younger women, to protect against cervical cancer.
  • Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines for women planning pregnancy or around newborns.
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster shots if needed.
  • COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as per government recommendations.

Ensuring that your vaccinations are up-to-date helps to prevent serious illnesses and maintain overall well-being.