Women’s Health Week is a timely reminder for women across Australia to pause, reflect, and check in on their health. With busy lives, it’s easy for health appointments to slip down the priority list, but prevention and early detection are powerful tools.
At Elevate Food Co., we believe in nourishing your body with real food, fibre and balance - but we also know that good nutrition is just one part of the bigger picture. Regular health and lifestyle checks can help you feel empowered, stay on top of your wellbeing, and support a healthier future.
Here’s a guide to the recommended health checks for Australian women, and how often you should consider booking them.
1. General Check-Up
- How often: Every 1–2 years (more frequently if you have ongoing concerns).
- A GP visit is a great chance to discuss your family history, lifestyle, and any health changes. Your doctor may recommend blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, vitamin (such as Vitamin D) and mineral (such as iron) checks and diabetes screening depending on your age and risk factors.
2. Cervical Screening Test
- Who: Women aged 25–74.
- How often: Every 5 years.
- Replaces the old Pap smear. This test looks for HPV (the virus that can cause cervical cancer) and is a simple, lifesaving step for long-term health.
3. Breast Health
- Self-checks: Regularly become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts.
- Mammogram: Women aged 50–74 are invited to have a free mammogram every 2 years through BreastScreen Australia. Those at higher risk may need screening earlier -chat to your GP.
4. Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- How often: At least every 2 years, or more often if you’re over 45, have diabetes, are overweight, or have a family history of heart disease.
- Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in Australia - early detection matters.
5. Bone Health
- How often: A bone density scan may be recommended from age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors such as family history or low calcium intake.
6. Skin Checks
- How often: At least once a year.
- Australia has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. A GP or dermatologist can check moles and spots. In between visits, keep an eye out for any changes yourself.
7. Mental Health Check-In
- How often: Ongoing.
- Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. If you’re feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed, speak to your GP, a psychologist, or call services like Beyond Blue.
8. Other Important Checks
- Blood tests: Cholesterol and blood glucose every 2-5 years (earlier if you have risk factors) and ron and folate every 6 months with deficiency history.
- Dental health: Every 6–12 months.
- Eye health: Every 2 years, or more frequently after age 50.
Why These Checks Matter – Our Resident Nutritionist Shares Her Story
When it comes to health, prevention really is better than cure. Regular screenings:
✔ Detect health issues early (often before symptoms show)
✔ Provide peace of mind
✔ Empower you to take control of your wellbeing
From our Resident Nutritionist, Sharon Lawton:
“My father was diagnosed with male breast cancer in 2005. He responded well to treatment and was in remission until 2018. Sadly, his diagnosis in 2018 was not as positive as 2005. However, due to his overall health and fitness level, he lived well until two years ago, when he passed. Dad taught us that nothing is more important than health checks.
Due to my family history, I am required to have annual breast cancer screening. However, I was going to cancel my mammogram and ultrasound appointment in 2023 as I was busy with my new 3-month-old baby. Perhaps my Dad saved me… I did attend my appointments and was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a bitter pill to swallow after losing Dad only 6 months earlier; but as the cancer was early, my prognosis was positive. “Luckily” all I needed was surgery, radiotherapy and ongoing medication. I am now cancer free. I wish my Dad was as lucky.”
Take Action This Women’s Health Week
This Women’s Health Week, make a date with yourself:
- Book that GP appointment
- Schedule your screening tests
- Share this reminder with a friend, sister,
colleague and all of your loved ones
Because when women thrive, families and communities thrive too.
Disclaimer: intended as general advice only. See your health care professional to discuss any specific concerns.
