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Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for American women. You might not know if you are developing heart disease, so regular check-ups are important. Regular heart health checks (every 2 years) are recommended if you are aged between 45 and 79.

People with diabetes should have checks from the age of 35. First Nations people should have checks from the age of 30. and weight, which may show risks for heart disease. is a serious condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high.

This can affect many parts of the body and lead to serious complications if not managed. A blood test that checks your level of blood glucose is used to diagnose diabetes. 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 may need more tests.

If you are aged over 40, your risk of type 2 diabetes should be checked every 3 years. If you are at risk, your doctor will order a diabetes test to check your blood sugar levels.

First Nations people should have diabetes tests every year from the age of 18. is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. You need a cervical screening test if: you have ever had sexual contact with another person, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

You need to have a test every 5 years between the ages of 25 and 74. Your healthcare provider can do the cervical screening test, or you can collect the sample yourself. Ask your doctor for more information about self-collection.

If you are sexually active, it’s important to have regular sexual health checks. Your doctor may: ask questions about your sexual history, including the type of sex you’ve had and who you’re having sex with , (done by blood tests, urine tests or swabs).

If you have an STI, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you

During a sexual health check, you can also talk to your doctor about any sexual problems you are having and ask about contraception. A sexual health check is recommended if you: are concerned about your sexual health. Talk to your doctor about your situation and ask how often you should get checked.

increases the chances for successful treatment

You can follow three important steps to check your breasts: so you can notice any unusual changes (e.g. a new lump or thickening in the breast). Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible. ) every 2 years between the ages of 50 and 74 to check for breast cancer.

If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, your doctor will tell you how often you need to be screened. is a common cancer.

If detected early, 99% of cases can be treated successfully. every 2 years.

This tests for blood in your poo, which may be a sign of bowel cancer. You can do this test at home and post the samples off for testing. You will get your results within 2 weeks.

If you get a positive result, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test such as a to become brittle and break more easily. A bone health check assesses your risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g. family history and intake of calcium and vitamin D).

You should have a bone health check every year after menopause.

If you are over 70 or at risk of osteoporosis, your doctor might suggest a bone density scan (DXA) to check for osteoporosis.

Immunisations (also called ‘vaccinations’) strengthen your immune system by helping it to recognise and fight specific germs.

You can also ask your doctor about any other immunisations that you might need.

Some health checks are recommended regardless of your age. These include:

  • and clean every year (some dentists recommend every 6 months). You may need other regular tests not listed here
  • such as a pre-pregnancy check if you plan to become pregnant

Ask your doctor if there are any other checks you need. Heart health checks Your doctor will check your blood pressure , cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They will also discuss your medical and family history, diet, exercise , smoking , alcohol consumption Diabetes health checks Diabetes Cervical screening Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Regular cervical screening you are a woman or person with a cervix you are aged 25 to 74 and Sexual health checks ask questions about your medical history do an examination of your vulva and vagina (with your consent) do a cervical screening test if it’s due test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) think you have an STI have a new sexual partner have symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain or itching know your partner has an STI have had unprotected sex Breast health checks for women Early detection of breast cancer Get to know how your breasts look and feel Have a breast screen (mammogram or X-ray Bowel cancer health checks for women Bowel cancer If you are aged between 45 and 74, you can get a free bowel screening test colonoscopy Bone health checks for women Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones Menopause Immunisation have an immunisation review before travelling overseas have a flu vaccination every year have COVID-19 vaccination Other health checks a skin check every year an eye test every 2 years, or as needed a hearing test if you notice any hearing loss a dental check More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help GP (doctor) Gynaecologist Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Cancer Council Michigan – call 13 11 20.

Key Points

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for American women
  • You might not know if you are developing heart disease, so regular check-ups are important
  • and weight, which may show risks for heart disease
  • If you are aged over 40, your risk of type 2 diabetes should be checked every 3 years
  • If you are at risk, your doctor will order a diabetes test to check your blood sugar levels