Your health checks report is ready below!
Keeping up to date with your health checks is one of the best ways you can care for your health.
Remember this information is a general guide and does not replace advice from your doctor. You might 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.
Pregnancy care
Pregnancy care
It’s important to visit your doctor or midwife for checkups and information to support a healthy pregnancy. Learn about the different tests, scans and screenings and ask which ones are best for you.
Blood pressure check
Blood pressure check
How often: every 2 years.
High blood pressure can happen without you noticing, so it’s important to have regular checks. Your doctor can do a check as part of a routine appointment, or you can ask for one at your local pharmacy. Learn more about the quick and simple blood pressure check.
Bone health assessment
Bone health assessment
After menopause, changing hormone levels and other factors can put you at greater risk of osteoporosis (weak and fragile bones). Ask your doctor if you need a bone health assessment. It can involve answering questions about your health and, if necessary, a bone density scan.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening
How often: every 2 years.
Women aged 45 to 49 can apply for their first free bowel cancer test kit. It comes in the mail, you do the test at home and results are ready within 4 weeks. Apply for a bowel cancer test kit.
How often: every 2 years.
Women aged 50 to 74 get a free bowel cancer test kit via mail every 2 years. You do the test at home and results are ready within 4 weeks. If you haven’t received yours, request a bowel cancer test kit today.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening
How often: check with your doctor.
Breast screening helps detect breast cancers early, before you can feel or see them. You are invited for a free breast screen every 2 years from age 50 to 74. Book your breast screen and tell your doctor if you are worried about breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening is free for women aged 40 and over every 2 years. Ask your doctor if screening is a good option for you.
Breast cancer screening is free for women aged 75 and over without breast cancer symptoms. Ask your doctor if screening is a good option for you.
Breast self-check
Breast self-check
How often: regularly.
It’s easier to spot changes to your breasts when you are breast aware. So, get to know your breasts by feeling and looking at them regularly (e.g. while showering or dressing). If you notice anything new or unusual, tell your doctor.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening
How often: every 5 years (if your results are normal).
Regular cervical screening is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Screening is recommended every 5 years if you’ve ever had sexual contact. You can do the test yourself, or a health care provider can collect your sample. Find out if you are due for a test.
Dental check
Dental check
How often: check with your dentist.
Regular dental checkups can help you protect your teeth and manage potential issues early. Your dentist can tell you how often you need a checkup. Find a public dental service near you.
Eye test
Eye test
How often: every 2 years.
Regular checkups can help pick up potential eye issues early, before you notice them. Ask your eye specialist if Medicare will cover the cost of your appointment and learn more about how to care for your eyes.
How often: check with your doctor.
Regular eye tests are an important part of your health care. If you haven’t already, speak to your doctor or eye specialist about your risk of eye disease, especially if you have risk factors, such as diabetes, short-sightedness or abnormal blood pressure.
Falls risk assessment
Falls risk assessment
How often: at least once a year.
Your risk of having a fall and injuring yourself increases with age. But there are ways to prevent falls. Check in with your doctor about your falls risk and always tell them if you have a fall, or you nearly fall.
Hearing test
Hearing test
How often: check with your doctor.
If you notice changes in your hearing, you might need a hearing test to check for hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is linked to a greater risk of dementia so it’s important to visit your doctor. Ask how to prevent and manage hearing loss.
Heart health check
Heart health check
How often: check with your doctor.
Heart health checks help assess your risk of heart attack or stroke. They can involve testing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and discussing your health and family history. Checks are recommended for most women from age 45. Ask your doctor if you’re due for a check.
How often: check with your doctor.
As you age, your risk of heart and blood vessel disease increases. So it’s a good idea to have heart health tests regularly, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Ask your doctor which tests you need and how often you need them.
Kidney health check
Kidney health check
How often: once a year or every 2 years depending on risk factors.
Regular kidney health checks help find kidney disease early when it’s easier to manage. A check involves testing your blood, wee (urine) and blood pressure. Visit your doctor for a kidney health check and learn more about what the check involves.
Lung cancer screening
Lung cancer screening
How often: check with your doctor
The lung cancer screening program aims to detect lung cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Screening involves taking a scan of your chest. Depending on your cigarette smoking history, you may qualify for screening. Find out if you are eligible.
Menopause assessment
Menopause assessment
How often: check with your doctor.
For some women, the years surrounding menopause can cause symptoms, such as hot flushes and mood swings.
No matter how old you are, if you are experiencing symptoms related to menopause or perimenopause, you may qualify for a menopause assessment. Visit your doctor to find out more.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
How often: check with your doctor
STIs are infections that spread from person to person, usually during sexual contact. Sometimes, you can have an STI without noticing. Because STIs can harm you and your baby, it’s important to have an STI check before or during pregnancy. Visit your doctor or health clinic for a checkup.
How often: check with your doctor.
STIs are infections that spread from person to person, usually during sexual contact. Sometimes, you can have an STI without noticing. If you’re sexually active, ask your doctor or health clinic about having an STI check.
Skin check
Skin check
No matter your skin type, it’s important to know the normal look of your skin. Check any spots, freckles or moles, and tell your doctor if you spot changes. Ask your doctor about your skin cancer risk and if you need regular checkups.
Type 2 diabetes screening
Type 2 diabetes screening
How often: at least every 3 years.
Diabetes screening helps assess your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If you’re at high risk of diabetes, you may need extra tests more often. Visit your doctor or health clinic for screening. You can also discuss ways to prevent diabetes.
Vaccination review
Vaccination review
How often: check with your doctor.
During pregnancy, you can get free vaccines for influenza, whooping cough and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). If possible, visit your doctor before pregnancy to check your vaccination history and ask what’s right for you.
How often: check with your doctor.
Your vaccination needs depend on your age, health, lifestyle, travel plans and job. If you missed any vaccines during childhood, you might qualify for free catch-up vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine. Yearly influenza vaccines are also recommended. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
How often: check with your doctor.
Your vaccination needs depend on your age, health, lifestyle, travel plans and job. Most women are encouraged to get an influenza vaccine every year. Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.
How often: check with your doctor.
Your vaccination needs depend on your age, health, lifestyle, travel plans and job. Your doctor can help work out which vaccines you might need, such as the dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) booster vaccine and the yearly influenza vaccine.
How often: check with your doctor.
Your vaccination needs depend on your age, health, lifestyle, travel plans and job. Your doctor can help work out which vaccines are right for you. Ask about the dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) booster vaccine and the free influenza and shingles vaccines.
How often: check with your doctor.
Your vaccination needs depend on your age, health, lifestyle, travel plans and job. Your doctor can help work out which vaccines are right for you. Ask about the dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) booster vaccine and the free influenza, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines.
These checks may also be important depending on your health and family history.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program doesn’t start until age 45. But if you have a family history of bowel cancer or bowel polyps, or you have symptoms, such as blood in your poo or unexpected weight loss, it’s important to tell your doctor.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening
It’s a good idea to discuss your bowel cancer screening options with your doctor. Ask about the benefits and possible risks of screening. If you have symptoms, such as blood in your poo or unexpected weight loss at any stage, tell your doctor immediately.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening
The national breast cancer screening program starts at age 40. Before then, if you notice any unusual changes to your breasts, or if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening
Cervical screening starts at age 25 if you’ve had sexual contact. If at any point you have pain during sex or notice unusual bleeding or unusual discharge from your vagina, it’s important to tell your doctor.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening
How often: check with your doctor.
Ask your doctor if regular cervical screening is right for you. Screening is available if you need it. If you have any pain during sex or unusual bleeding or unusual discharge from your vagina, tell your doctor.
Heart health check
Heart health check
Heart health checks help assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Checks usually start at age 45, or 35 if you have diabetes. If you’re not sure whether you need a heart health check, ask your doctor.
Kidney health check
Kidney health check
How often: check with your doctor.
Regular kidney health checks help find kidney disease early when it’s easier to manage. Checks are recommended if you have risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Use this online tool to learn about your risk of kidney disease and ask your doctor if you need a check.
Menopause assessment
Menopause assessment
How often: check with your doctor.
In Australia, the average age of menopause is 51. But for some women, it can happen earlier because of some medical treatments or health conditions.
No matter your age, if you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to menopause or perimenopause, it’s important to tell your doctor. You may qualify for a menopause assessment.
Mental health check-in
Mental health check-in
How often: check with your doctor.
Mental health struggles are common, but the earlier you get help, the better your chances of feeling better. If you have symptoms, such as intense sadness, irritability, fatigue, anxiety or sleep problems, talk to your doctor. Call 000 in an emergency or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Type 2 diabetes screening
Type 2 diabetes screening
Routine screening for type 2 diabetes usually starts from age 40. But you can use the Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool to assess your risk at any age. Speak to your doctor if you’re at higher risk.
Some health checks and screenings are free if you have a Medicare card and qualify for screening. When making your appointment, ask what you will need to bring and if there will be any costs.
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