Women's Health Week 7 to 11 September: small steps, do it anyway

Jean Hailes Women's Health Week runs from 7 to 11 September 2026. It is Australia's largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people. This year's theme is do it anyway. The idea is simple: you do not need a perfect week or a spare day. A small step towards your health still counts, even when life is busy.

Why health checks matter even when you feel well

Some health conditions cause no symptoms in their early stages. Jean Hailes points out that regular checks can pick up risks or early signs of a problem before you notice anything yourself. They also help keep track of conditions you already know about. Which checks you need depends on your age, your family history and your own risk factors. The right list is different for every woman.

Checks worth asking about

Jean Hailes lists a range of checks across a woman's life. Some are national screening programs with set age ranges. Cervical screening is recommended every five years from age 25 to 74. BreastScreen Australia offers free mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 74, with women from 40 also able to take part. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free home test kit every two years to people aged 45 to 74.

Others depend on your stage of life and your risks. These include a heart health check, screening for type 2 diabetes, a bone health assessment, a skin check, a menopause assessment, a mental health check-in and a vaccination review. Your GP can help you work out which of these apply to you and when.

The numbers worth knowing

Jean Hailes also suggests keeping track of a few key measures: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index and waist measurement. Your GP can check and explain these for you. Knowing where you stand makes it easier to act if something needs attention.

Do it anyway

The small step this week might be as simple as booking the appointment you have been putting off, or writing down the questions you want to ask. If you are not sure which checks you need, Jean Hailes has a free Her Health Check tool at checks.jeanhailes.org.au. Or you can simply ask your GP.

To book with a GP at Five White Street Surgery, use HotDoc or phone 02 9528 5266. Call us Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:30pm and Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm.

Source: Jean Hailes for Women's Health, About Women's Health Week and Health checks for your age, jeanhailes.org.au, accessed 3 September 2026. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: National Cervical Screening Program, BreastScreen Australia and National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.