Essential female health tests (for Australians but it could apply everywhere)

There are some simple health tests for women, which could save your health.

Prevention is the key to good health. But what are the best health screens for your age group?

In your 20s

As you finish your education, establish a career and embark on relationships and families, your health is at its peak. It's the time to establish good diet and exercise patterns. Just remember to keep an eye on your health.

Recommended tests:

Pap test: Screen for cervical cancer every two years for women over 18, or one to two years after becoming sexually active.

STIs: Annual screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in all sexually active women under the age of 25. Screening for other STIs, such as gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, if indicated by risk assessment.

BMI and waist circumference assessment: Every two years in people who are overweight; annually for those at increased risk (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, those with diabetes, stroke, gout, liver, cardiovascular or gallbladder disease).

Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years from age 18 for Indigenous Australians.

Blood pressure: All adults from the age of 18 at least every two years, or more often if higher risk (certain racial groups, those with diabetes or cardiovascular risk).

Breast cancer self-check: All women should be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and report changes to their GP.

Colorectal cancer screening: Every one to two years from age 25 for those considered high risk (family history).

Depression: Opportunistic screening with effective treatment and follow-up.

Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.

Optional:

Eye check: The most reported health condition in the 20s is short-sightedness.

Skin cancer self-check: General screening is not recommended. However, if you are high risk (a history or immediate family history of melanoma), check for new or changing skin lesions every three months.

Fertility check: If you're trying to fall pregnant or have hormone problems, a fertility test can rule out infertility, endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome.

HPV vaccine: The cervical cancer vaccine, which protects women against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is free to all women aged 12 to 26.

In your 30s

Life becomes a balancing act as you juggle work, relationships and, often, children. Get plenty of exercise and sleep, eat a balanced diet and take frequent breaks. It's also the time to find a good family GP.

Recommended tests:

Pap test: Every two years for all women.

BMI and waist circumference: Every two years in overweight adults; annually for those at increased risk (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, those with diabetes, stroke, gout, liver, cardiovascular or gallbladder disease).

Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years for Indigenous Australians only.

Blood pressure: Every two years or more often if you are in a higher risk group (certain racial groups, those with diabetes or cardiovascular risk).

Breast cancer self-check: Familiarise yourself with the normal look and feel of your breasts and perform regular self-checks every few months. Report any changes to your GP.

Colorectal cancer screening: Every one to two years for those who are considered high risk (a family history of bowel cancer).

Depression: Opportunistic screening with effective treatment and follow-up.

Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.

Optional:

Eye check: Your vision may deteriorate in your 30s. As in your 20s, short-sightedness is a common condition.

Skin cancer self-check: Perform regular self-checks. If you have a history or immediate family history of melanoma, have a screening every three months.

Fertility check: If you're trying to fall pregnant or have hormone problems, a fertility test can rule out potential issues.

In your 40s

Work-life balance continues to be a struggle and, while you're still relatively healthy, you'll have to work harder to keep it up. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and have regular check-ups with your GP.

Recommended tests:

Pap test: Every two years.

Mammogram and/or ultrasound: If you're considered high risk, you should have one every two years. Otherwise, perform regular self-checks.

BMI and waist circumference: Every two years for those who are overweight; annually for those at increased risk.

Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years.

Blood pressure: Every two years; more regularly if you're considered high risk.

Depression: Opportunistic screening with effective treatment and follow-up.

Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.

Hyperlipidaemia screening: Checking cholesterol and blood lipids in women without other cardiovascular risk factors is recommended every five years from the age of 45.

Stroke risk: All those over the age of 45 should be screened for risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Osteoporosis: All women over 40 should be assessed.

Colorectal cancer screening: Every one to two years for those considered high risk (a family history of bowel cancer).

Optional

Skin cancer self-check: Self-checks every three months; high-risk people over 40 should be examined.

Full health check: Annual blood tests from age 45 for cholesterol, blood sugar and other conditions as indicated by the doctor.

Eye check.

In your 50s

As children begin to leave home, you'll have more time to focus on health. Have regular check-ups and continue good exercise and eating programs.

Recommended screening

Pap test: Every two years.

Mammogram: Every two years; more regularly if you're considered high risk.

BMI and waist circumference: Every two years for those who are overweight; annually for those considered high risk.

Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years.

Blood pressure: Every two years; more regularly if you're considered high risk.

Depression: Opportunistic screening where there is effective treatment and follow-up.

Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.

Hyperlipidaemia screening: Every five years.

Stroke: All over-50s should be screened for hypertension, dyslipidaemia and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Osteoporosis: All women should be assessed.

Colorectal cancer: Screening with faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) every two years. Colonoscopy every five years for those at moderate risk; genetic screening annually for those at high risk.

Kidney disease: Screening recommended annually from age 50. Those at high risk should also have their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated.

Full health check: Including blood tests.

Optional

Vaccines: For diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis. Influenza and pneumococcal if high risk.

Skin cancer self-check: Every three months unless high risk.

Eye check.

In your 60s+

Retirement provides more time to focus on a healthy lifestyle, while supportive friends, family and a good GP are essential for overall wellbeing.

Recommended screening

Pap test: Every two years until age 69, if you have had two normal smears in the previous five years.

Mammogram: Every two years until age 69.

BMI and waist circumference: Every two years if overweight; annually if increased risk.

Type 2 diabetes test: Every three years.

Blood pressure: Every two years or more often if considered higher risk or over 75.

Depression: Opportunistic screening where there is effective treatment and follow-up.

Dental check-ups: Every 12 months.

Hyperlipidaemia screening: Every five years for people without other cardivascular risk factors.

Stroke: Testing for hypertension, dyslipidaemia and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Osteoporosis: All women should be tested. Bone mineral densitometry only in over-65s.

Colorectal cancer: FOBT screening every two years until age 75. Colonoscopy every five years if moderate risk; genetic tests annually for high risk.

Kidney disease: Every year. Those at high risk should have their GFR estimated.

Full health check: Including blood tests.

Eye check: Every 12 months from age 65.

Hearing: Every 12 months from age 65.

Optional

Vaccines: For diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis. Influenza recommended for over-65s. Pneumococcal if high risk.

Dementia screening: If there is a family history, head trauma or early signs.

Skin check: Every three months unless high risk.

For more information: Remember, everybody is different, so see your GP to discuss the health screenings that are most relevant to you and your family. 

Source: Body and Soul 

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