Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond – these 3 health checks are ones every woman needs to know about.

This episode is inspired by Women’s Health Week, an annual initiative by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a not-for-profit committed to helping women take control of their wellbeing. And I’m 100% on board with that mission.

So today, I’m sharing the 3 key health checks I believe every woman should understand, regardless of what season of life you’re in.

Let’s dive in.

1. Breast Checks – Monthly from Your 20s

Let’s start with one we all know we should do… but most of us don’t do often enough: checking your breasts.

Why breast checks matter:

During the first half of 2020, breast cancer diagnoses dropped by 30%. Sounds good, right? It’s not. It means women weren’t getting screened or going to the doctor when they noticed changes. In short: we weren’t checking in with our own health.

Your monthly self-breast check is the best place to start – and it’s totally in your hands.

Here’s how to do a breast check:

• Step 1: Visual check.
  Stand in front of the mirror with hands on your hips. Look at the shape, size, and colour of your breasts and nipples. Then raise your arms and check again from a different angle.
• Step 2: Feel for changes.
  Do this in the shower or lying in bed – whenever you feel relaxed. With your arm above your head and fingers flat, check the entire breast area, including your armpit, collarbone and under the breast.
  You’re checking for:
  • New lumps or thickeningChanges in shape or colourDimpling, puckering, or rashesDischarge from the nipple
  • Persistent pain or itching

If something feels off, don’t panic – but do book in with your doctor.

What about mammograms?

• In Australia, women aged 40 and over can access free mammograms every 2 years through BreastScreen Australia.
• If you’re under 40, routine mammograms aren’t recommended, but if you have a family history or concerns, speak with your doctor.

2. Cervical Screening Test – Every 5 Years

You might know it as the Pap test, but Australia’s cervical screening program has had a major update – and it’s actually more effective.

What’s changed?

The old Pap smear looked for cell changes in the cervix. The new Cervical Screening Test checks for HPV (human papillomavirus) – the virus that can cause those cell changes in the first place.

That means the new test can detect potential problems sooner, making it more accurate and reducing your risk of cervical cancer.

What to know:

• If you’ve had a Pap test before, your first cervical screening is due 2 years later.
• If your results are normal, you only need the test every 5 years.
• The test feels the same – a small sample is taken from your cervix (yes, it’s awkward, but quick!).
• If you’re aged 25–74, have a cervix, and have ever been sexually active – you need this test, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.
• HPV is very common and usually clears on its own, but in rare cases it can develop into cervical cancer over time.

If you’re turning 25 or have never had this test, book in with your GP. And if you have any unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge – don’t wait. Get it checked out.

3. Sexual Health (STI) Checks – Don’t Skip This One

Let’s be real. Getting an STI check is the most awkward health check of the bunch. And because of that, it’s easy to push it to the bottom of the to-do list.

But if you’re sexually active, regular STI checks are non-negotiable.

When should you get checked?

• If you’re under 30 and having sex, aim for at least once a year.
• If you have new partners, don’t use condoms, or have any symptoms, get checked more frequently.
• Even if you have no symptoms, some STIs can go undetected and cause long-term damage to your reproductive health.

What happens during a check?

Your doctor will ask some personal questions to assess your risk:

• Number and gender of sexual partners
• Types of sex (vaginal, oral, anal)
• Whether you use protection
• Symptoms (if any)

Based on your answers, they’ll recommend tests such as:

• Urine sample
• Vaginal swab (you might be able to do this yourself)
• Throat or anal swabs, if relevant
• Blood test for infections like HIV, hepatitis, or syphilis

Getting tested doesn’t mean you’ll be screened for everything – tests are tailored to you. If you test positive, you’ll be given the right treatment and support to notify partners.

Worried about bringing it up with your GP?
Try this: book an appointment for something else (like a script refill), then bring it up at the end. Or visit a sexual health clinic or women’s health centre if you’re more comfortable.

Remember: this is just part of being proactive with your health. Your doctor won’t judge you. And you shouldn’t judge yourself either.

Final Thoughts

Let’s wrap this up with a quick recap:

1. Breast checks: Monthly from your 20s. Mammograms every 2 years from 40+.
2. Cervical screening test: Every 5 years from age 25–74.
3. STI checks: Every year (or more often) if you’re sexually active.

None of these are glamorous, but they are life-saving.

You deserve to feel confident, educated, and supported when it comes to your body and your health – and the more we talk about it, the less awkward it becomes.