Spring is here! A perfect season for a spring clean of more than just your home. It’s time to refresh, reset, and refocus on your health checks. As the days lengthen and nature renews, why not use this momentum to ensure all your health checks are in line? Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s (or beyond), there are specific screenings and assessments that help you stay on top of your well-being.
Drawing on the guidance from Jean Hailes, here’s a bird’s-eye view of the health checks women need at different life stages — and how to weave them into your “spring clean” routine.
Why regular health checks matter
Regular health assessments help detect issues early, before they become serious. They allow you to:
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Identify risk factors (family history, lifestyle, genetics)
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Treat problems earlier (which often means simpler, more effective treatment)
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Monitor changes over time so you can adjust diet, exercise, or other habits
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Stay empowered and proactive over your own body
Spring is a symbolic time of renewal — a great reminder to give your health the same attention.
Women’s Health Checks Throughout Life
Here are the key areas every woman should think about, how often, and under what conditions. Use this as a checklist to see what you’ve done recently — and what might need booking in.
| Health Check | Recommended Age | Frequency / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breast self-check | All ages | Monthly / regularly – check for lumps, changes in shape, skin, or nipple discharge. |
| Dental check | All ages | At least once a year (or as advised by your dentist). |
| Mental health check | All ages | Ongoing – seek support if experiencing persistent anxiety, stress, or mood changes. |
| Sexual health check | All sexually active women | Regular STI checks, contraception review, cervical screening as recommended. |
| Skin check | All ages | Regular self-checks; GP/dermatologist if changes noted. |
| Vaccination review | All ages | Annual check of what’s due (flu, HPV, boosters, etc.). |
| 715 Health Check (First Nations women) | All ages | Annually – comprehensive check with GP. |
| Eye test | 18–50 years | Every 2 years. More often after 50 or with risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high BP). |
| Cervical screening | 25–74 years | Every 5 years if low risk. Earlier if symptoms. Self-collection option available. |
| Type 2 diabetes screening | 40+ years | Every 3 years if low risk; earlier if higher risk (use AUSDRISK tool). |
| Heart health check | 45+ years (30+ for First Nations women) | Every 2 years or earlier if risk factors (e.g. diabetes, family history). |
| Bowel cancer screening | 45–74 years | Every 2 years (free kits 50–74). Over 75, discuss with GP. Seek earlier advice if symptoms. |
| Bone health assessment | Around 50+ (earlier if risk factors) | One-off assessment, may need DXA scan; yearly if at risk (start at 50 for First Nations women). |
| Breast cancer screening (mammogram) | 50–74 years | Every 2 years (BreastScreen). Optional from 40–49 or after 75; earlier if family history. |
| Kidney health check | 60+ years or earlier with risk factors | Regular blood and urine tests + blood pressure checks. |
| Falls risk check | 65+ years (50+ for First Nations women) | As advised; especially if unsteady or history of falls. |
| Hearing test | Any age if symptoms | Get checked if you notice hearing loss or changes. |
| Lung cancer screening | 50–70 years (if high risk, e.g. smoking history) | Ask GP about eligibility for screening program. |
| Menopause assessment | Around perimenopause/menopause | As needed – discuss symptoms and management with GP. |
| Pregnancy care | Planning or pregnant | Regular antenatal visits, tests, and screenings. |
Spring-Cleaning Your Health: How to Get Started
Here are practical tips to schedule, track and stay on top of your health checks as part of your “spring clean” mindset:
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Make a master list. Use the checklist above or tools like Her Health Check from Jean Hailes to map out which checks you’ve done and which are due.
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Book ahead. Clinics, many specialists and screening programs get busy — schedule your appointments in advance.
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Leverage free or subsidised programs. Many government health programs (breast screen, bowel screening etc.) are free or low-cost. Know what you qualify for.
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Share your history. Family history matters—share what you know with your healthcare provider.
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Track habits that support these checks. Nutrition (calcium, vitamin D), exercise, sleep, stress management all influence screening outcomes and risk.
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Follow up. If a test suggests a risk, scheduling follow-ups is as important as the initial test.
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Mental & emotional health matters too. Don’t ignore mood, stress, anxiety, social connection. Check-ins aren’t just about blood tests.
Spring Is the Perfect Time
Just like you freshen up your home, your wardrobe, or your garden, cleaning up and refreshing your health check schedule can feel renewing. You don’t need to do everything in one month — even tackling a few overdue checks or booking one or two now can give you peace of mind.
So this spring, set aside some time for you: your wellbeing, your future, your fullest potential. Because when your health checks are in line, every other part of life finds more space to thrive.
