Preventive Screening

Catch Problems Early, Stay Healthier Longer

Prevention is always better than cure—and screening saves lives.

At Ovara Women's Health, we believe proactive healthcare is the foundation of long-term wellbeing. Regular screening catches problems early when they're most treatable, reduces your risk of serious disease, and gives you peace of mind.

Preventive care isn't just about finding disease—it's about optimising your health at every stage of life.

Why Preventive Screening Matters

Early detection changes outcomes.

Many serious health conditions develop silently without symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may be advanced and harder to treat. Screening finds problems early—often before you feel unwell—when treatment is most effective.

Screening programs save lives:

• Cervical screening has reduced cervical cancer deaths by over 50% in Australia
• Breast screening detects cancer early, dramatically improving survival rates
• Bowel cancer screening can find pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancer
• Cardiovascular screening identifies risks you can modify before heart attack or stroke
• Diabetes screening catches pre-diabetes when lifestyle changes can prevent progression

Prevention is personalised:

• Your screening needs depend on your age, health history, family history, and risk factors
• Not every woman needs every screening test
• We create screening schedules tailored to your individual risk profile

Cervical Screening Test

The most important screening test for preventing cervical cancer.

What It Is

The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in 2017. It looks for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.

How it works:

• HPV causes changes to cervical cells that can become cancerous over many years
• Finding HPV before cell changes become serious allows early treatment
• The test is more accurate than the old Pap test and catches problems earlier

Who Needs It

All women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 should have regular cervical screening.

When to start:

• Age 25 (even if you've been sexually active longer)
• Screening under 25 not recommended (HPV common in younger women but rarely leads to cancer)

When to stop:

• Age 74 (if you've had two consecutive negative tests)
• Continue past 74 only if previous abnormal results

How often:

• Every 5 years (if test is negative)
• More frequent if previous abnormalities detected

Who Should Still Screen Even If...

Common myths about who doesn't need screening:

"I'm not sexually active anymore" → Still need screening if you've ever been sexually active "I only have sex with women" → HPV transmits between women, still need screening "I've had the HPV vaccination" → Vaccination doesn't cover all cancer-causing HPV types, still need screening "I'm past menopause" → Age, not menopause, determines screening schedule "I've had a hysterectomy" → Depends on type of hysterectomy and why it was done (discuss with your GP)

Only skip cervical screening if:

• You've never been sexually active (never had any sexual contact, not just penetrative sex)
• You've had total hysterectomy with cervix removed for non-cancer reason AND no history of high-grade abnormalities

What to Expect

Before your appointment:

• Book when you're not menstruating (mid-cycle is ideal)
• Don't use vaginal medications, lubricants, or have sex for 48 hours before (can affect results)
• Empty your bladder just before
• It's okay to feel nervous—tell your GP

During the test:

• You'll undress from waist down (sheet provided for privacy)
• Lie on examination table with knees bent
• GP inserts small speculum to see cervix
• Collects cell sample with small brush (takes 10-20 seconds)
• May feel uncomfortable or crampy, but shouldn't be painful
• You can ask GP to stop at any time

Self-collection option:

• Available for women who find speculum examination difficult (previous trauma, vaginismus, cultural reasons, severe anxiety)
• You collect the sample yourself using a swab
• Slightly less accurate but much better than not screening at all
• Discuss with your GP if this option would help you

After the test:

• May have light spotting or discharge
• Results typically available in 1-2 weeks
• GP will contact you with results and next steps

Understanding Results

Negative (HPV not detected):

• No HPV found
• Next screening in 5 years
• This is the result most people get

Positive (HPV detected):

• HPV found, but doesn't mean you have cancer
• Most HPV infections clear naturally without treatment
• Further testing needed to check if cell changes present

If HPV detected, next steps depend on findings:

• May need repeat test in 12 months (see if HPV clears on its own)
• May need colposcopy (detailed examination of cervix with magnification)
• May need biopsy if abnormal areas seen
• Treatment if pre-cancerous changes found (very effective at preventing cancer)

Important: HPV is extremely common. Finding HPV doesn't mean:

• You have cancer
• You'll definitely get cancer
• Your partner cheated (HPV can lie dormant for years)
• You did anything wrong

Breast Health & Screening

Early detection of breast cancer dramatically improves survival.

Breast Awareness

Know what's normal for you.

Regular breast awareness means:

• Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel
• Being aware of changes throughout your menstrual cycle
• Noticing any new or unusual changes
• Not necessarily formal self-examination on a schedule (evidence for this is limited)

What to look and feel for:

• New lump or thickening in breast or armpit
• Change in size or shape of breast
• Skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness, rash)
• Nipple changes (inverted, discharge, rash)
• Persistent pain in one area

When to see your GP:

• Any new breast lump or change
• Persistent breast pain in one area
• Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or from one breast only)
• Skin changes on breast
• Any change that concerns you

Important: Most breast lumps are NOT cancer, but all should be checked.

BreastScreen Australia

Free mammography screening program for early cancer detection.

Who is eligible:

• Women aged 50-74: Invited to screen every 2 years
• Women aged 40-49 and 75+: Can access free screening but not automatically invited

Why screening starts at 50:

• Breast cancer is more common after 50
• Mammograms are more accurate in older women (breast tissue is less dense)
• Balance of benefits vs harms is most favourable in 50-74 age group

Women 40-49:

• Can choose to screen, but discuss individual risk factors with GP
• Denser breast tissue means more false positives and recalls
• Family history or other risk factors may change recommendation

How it works:

• Book appointment at BreastScreen clinic (no doctor referral needed)
• Two x-ray images of each breast
• Results sent to you and your GP within 2 weeks
• Most results are normal
• If abnormality found, recalled for further testing

What happens if recalled:

• Recall doesn't mean you have cancer (most recalls are for benign findings)
• Additional mammogram views or ultrasound
• Sometimes biopsy needed
• Results and next steps discussed

High-Risk Screening

Some women need earlier or more intensive screening.

Higher risk if you have:

• Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• Previous chest radiation (especially in teens or twenties)
• Previous breast cancer or high-risk breast lesions

Enhanced screening may include:

• Starting mammography before age 50
• Annual screening instead of 2-yearly
• MRI in addition to mammography
• Clinical breast examination by specialist

Genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer:

• Recommended if strong family history
• Tests for BRCA mutations and other genes
• Helps guide screening and prevention strategies
• Referral to family cancer clinic if high risk identified

Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer—but it's highly preventable and treatable when caught early.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Free home test kit sent to all Australians aged 50-74.

How it works:

• Test kit mailed to you every 2 years
• Collect tiny stool samples at home (sounds unpleasant, actually quite simple)
• Post samples back in prepaid envelope
• Lab tests for hidden blood in stool
• Results sent to you and your GP

Why screening works:

• Finds tiny amounts of blood not visible to naked eye
• Bleeding may indicate polyps (pre-cancerous growths) or cancer
• Removing polyps prevents cancer developing
• Finding cancer early means better treatment outcomes

What to do with your kit:

• Don't ignore it—complete and return promptly
• Follow instructions carefully
• No special diet needed beforehand
• Can do test during menstruation (just note this on form)

Understanding results:

Negative:

• No blood detected
• Next kit in 2 years
• Still see GP if you have symptoms

Positive:

• Blood detected in sample
• Doesn't mean you have cancer (many causes of bleeding—haemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation)
• Requires follow-up colonoscopy to find source
• GP will arrange referral

Who Should Screen Earlier or More Often

Higher risk screening recommended if:

• Family history of bowel cancer (especially under age 55 or multiple relatives)
• Personal history of bowel cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Certain genetic conditions

May need:

• Screening before age 50
• Colonoscopy instead of stool test
• More frequent screening

Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Screening is for people WITHOUT symptoms. See GP promptly if you have:

• Change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks
• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movement

Cardiovascular Health Screening

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Australian women—yet it's largely preventable.

Heart Health Check

Free assessment of your cardiovascular risk.

Who should have one:

• All Australians aged 45-74 (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
• Every 2 years if low risk
• More frequent if risk factors present

What's involved:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Cholesterol blood test (fasting or non-fasting)
• Blood glucose test (checks for diabetes)
• Smoking status
• Family history of heart disease
• Calculation of your absolute cardiovascular risk

Your risk score tells you:

• Probability of heart attack or stroke in next 5 years
• Whether lifestyle changes are enough or if medication needed
• How to reduce your risk

Blood Pressure Screening

High blood pressure has no symptoms but damages arteries, heart, kidneys, and brain.

Screening recommendations:

• Adults 18+: At least every 2 years if normal
• More frequent if borderline high or risk factors present
• Annual if you have high blood pressure being treated

What the numbers mean:

• Optimal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
• Normal: Less than 140/90 mmHg
• High: 140/90 mmHg or higher on multiple readings

High blood pressure can be managed with:

• Lifestyle changes (salt reduction, weight loss, exercise, reduced alcohol)
• Medication if needed
• Regular monitoring

Cholesterol Screening

High cholesterol increases heart attack and stroke risk.

Who needs testing:

• All adults from age 45 (or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
• Younger if risk factors (family history, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure)
• Every 5 years if normal
• More frequent if high or borderline

What's measured:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
• HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
• Triglycerides
• Cholesterol ratio

Managing high cholesterol:

• Heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean pattern)
• Regular physical activity
• Weight management if overweight
• Quit smoking
• Medication if lifestyle changes insufficient

Blood Glucose Screening

Early detection of diabetes and pre-diabetes allows intervention.

Who needs testing:

• Adults 40+ without risk factors (every 3 years)
• Adults 18+ with risk factors (more frequent):
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Family history of diabetes
  • PCOS
  • Previous gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background

Tests:

• Fasting blood glucose
• HbA1c (average blood glucose over 3 months)
• Glucose tolerance test (if risk factors present or previous gestational diabetes)

Understanding results:

• Normal: Fasting glucose <5.5 mmol/L, HbA1c <5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: Fasting glucose 5.5-6.9 mmol/L, HbA1c 5.7-6.4%
• Diabetes: Fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥6.5%

Pre-diabetes:

• High risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Can be reversed with intensive lifestyle intervention
• Should trigger lifestyle changes immediately

Bone Density Screening

Osteoporosis screening prevents fractures that can cause disability and loss of independence.

What is Osteoporosis

Condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing fracture risk.

• Common in postmenopausal women (oestrogen protects bones)
• Often no symptoms until fracture occurs
• Preventable and treatable if detected early

Who Needs Bone Density Screening

DEXA scan recommended for:

All postmenopausal women with risk factors:

• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
• Previous fracture with minimal trauma
• Long-term corticosteroid use
• Chronic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease)
• Eating disorders or very low body weight
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Prolonged amenorrhoea (absent periods) in younger years

All women aged 70+ (even without risk factors)

Younger women if:

• Premature ovarian insufficiency
• Prolonged amenorrhoea from any cause
• Conditions affecting bone health
• Medications affecting bone density

The DEXA Scan

Quick, painless scan measuring bone mineral density.

What happens:

• Lie on table while scanner passes over you
• Takes about 10-15 minutes
• No needles, no preparation needed
• Measures bone density in spine and hip

Results:

• T-score compares your bone density to healthy young adult
• Normal: T-score -1.0 or above
• Osteopenia (low bone mass): T-score -1.0 to -2.5
• Osteoporosis: T-score -2.5 or below

Preventing and Treating Low Bone Density

Lifestyle measures:

• Calcium-rich diet (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods)
• Vitamin D (sun exposure, supplements if deficient)
• Weight-bearing exercise (walking, dancing, resistance training)
• Balance exercises (reduce fall risk)
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol

Medical treatment if osteoporosis:

• Medications to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk
• Fall prevention strategies
• Regular monitoring with repeat DEXA scans

Skin Cancer Screening

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

When to Have Skin Checks

Annual full skin checks recommended if:

• Fair skin that burns easily
• History of sunburn, especially blistering burns in childhood
• Many moles (more than 50)
• Family history of melanoma
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Outdoor occupation or significant sun exposure
• Weakened immune system
• Previous organ transplant

Everyone should:

• Monitor their own skin monthly
• See GP promptly if concerning changes
• Practice sun protection

What to Look For

ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half different from the other
• Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
• Colour: Varied colours or uneven colour distribution
• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
• Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or colour

Also concerning:

• New mole appearing after age 40
• Mole that looks different from your other moles ("ugly duckling")
• Spot that won't heal
• Spot that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful

When to see GP immediately:

• Any rapidly changing mole
• Any of the ABCDE features
• New or changing spot that concerns you
• Spot that won't heal within a few weeks

Sun Protection

Prevention is key:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Slap on wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses
• Avoid tanning beds (Class 1 carcinogen—same as smoking)

Sexual Health Screening

Regular STI screening is part of preventive healthcare.

See our dedicated Sexual Health page for comprehensive information on:

• Who should be tested and how often
• What infections are screened for
• Testing process and what to expect
• Prevention strategies

Thyroid Screening

Thyroid problems are common in women, especially as we age.

Who Needs Testing

Not routine screening for everyone, but test if:

• Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Personal or family history of autoimmune disease
• Pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Previous thyroid problems
• Taking medications affecting thyroid (lithium, amiodarone)
• Neck radiation in past

Symptoms Suggesting Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism (underactive):

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin and hair
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Heavy periods
• Depression or brain fog

Hyperthyroidism (overactive):

• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Anxiety and irritability
• Tremor
• Feeling hot and sweating
• Frequent bowel movements
• Light or absent periods
• Difficulty sleeping

Testing:

• Blood test measuring TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
• Additional tests if TSH abnormal
• Treatment with medication if dysfunction confirmed

Mental Health Screening

Mental health is as important as physical health.

Routine Screening

We routinely screen for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Perinatal mental health (during pregnancy and postpartum)
• Perimenopause-related mood changes

Screening involves:

• Brief questionnaires
• Discussion of symptoms and impact on daily life
• Assessment of risk factors and supports

When Additional Assessment Needed

See GP if experiencing:

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Significant appetite or weight changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of self-harm

Treatment options:

• Counselling or psychological therapy
• Medication if needed
• Lifestyle interventions (exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management)
• Support services and resources

Iron and Anaemia Screening

Iron deficiency is common in menstruating women.

Who Needs Testing

Screening recommended if:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Fatigue and weakness
• Pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Vegetarian or vegan diet
• Previous iron deficiency
• Chronic conditions affecting absorption

Symptoms of iron deficiency:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings (ice, dirt, starch)
• Restless leg syndrome

Testing:

• Full blood count
• Iron studies (ferritin, transferrin saturation)

Treatment if deficient:

• Oral iron supplements
• Dietary advice
• Investigation of cause (especially if heavy periods)
• Iron infusion if severe or not responding to oral iron

Immunisation

Vaccines are an essential part of preventive health.

Adult Vaccinations

Influenza (flu):

• Annual vaccination recommended for all adults
• Especially important if pregnant, chronic conditions, over 65, or working in healthcare
• Free for certain groups

COVID-19:

• Vaccination reduces serious illness and death
• Boosters recommended for certain groups
• Discuss current recommendations with your GP

Whooping cough (pertussis):

• Recommended in each pregnancy (protects newborn)
• Recommended for anyone around newborns

HPV (human papillomavirus):

• Free for all Australians up to age 25
• Protects against cervical cancer and genital warts
• Can still benefit people over 25 (discuss with GP)

Hepatitis B:

• Recommended for sexually active adults if not previously vaccinated
• Part of childhood schedule, but catch-up available

Hepatitis A:

• Recommended for women who have sex with women
• Recommended for travellers to certain countries
• Recommended if chronic liver disease

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR):

• Two doses needed for full protection
• Check immunity if born 1966 or later and unsure of vaccination status
• Particularly important before pregnancy

Chickenpox (varicella):

• If never had chickenpox and not vaccinated
• Particularly important before pregnancy

Pneumococcal:

• Recommended for adults 70+
• Earlier if chronic conditions (lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune system)

Shingles (zoster):

• Recommended for adults 70-79 (free)
• Can be given 60+ (not free unless 70-79)
• Prevents painful shingles and ongoing nerve pain

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis:

• Booster every 10 years if not vaccinated in pregnancy

Travel Vaccinations

Depends on destination:

• Discuss travel plans with GP at least 6-8 weeks before departure
• May need: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal
• Also discuss malaria prevention if relevant

Creating Your Personalised Screening Plan

Not every woman needs every screening test at the same frequency.

Factors Affecting Your Screening Needs

Age:

• Different screenings recommended at different life stages
• Frequency changes with age

Family history:

• Strong family history of certain cancers may require earlier or more intensive screening
• Genetic testing may be appropriate

Personal health history:

• Previous abnormal results require different screening schedule
• Chronic conditions affect risk and screening needs

Lifestyle factors:

• Smoking, alcohol use, diet, exercise all affect risk
• Occupational exposures

Medications:

• Some medications increase screening needs (e.g., long-term steroids and bone density)

Your Ovara Screening Appointment

What we do:

• Review your age, health history, family history, and risk factors
• Identify which screening tests you need and when
• Perform relevant tests or arrange referrals
• Provide results and explain what they mean
• Create personalised screening schedule
• Discuss prevention strategies tailored to your risks

We make it easy:

• Reminder systems for when screening is due
• Coordination of multiple tests when possible
• Clear explanation of why each test matters
• Support to overcome barriers to screening

Common Questions About Screening

"I feel fine—why do I need screening?"

Most serious diseases have no symptoms in early stages. Screening finds problems before you feel sick, when treatment is most effective. Waiting for symptoms often means the disease is already advanced.

"Isn't screening just looking for problems that might never cause issues?"

Good screening programs are designed to find problems that, if left untreated, would cause serious harm. The benefits of early detection outweigh the harms of testing and occasional false positives.

"I'm too busy for multiple appointments."

We understand. We try to coordinate screening tests to minimise appointments. Many screenings (like cervical screening and some blood tests) can be done at the same visit.

"I'm worried about the cost."

Many screening tests are free or attract Medicare rebates. We'll discuss costs upfront and help you prioritise if cost is a barrier.

"What if screening finds something?"

Most screening results are normal. If an abnormality is found, we'll explain what it means, what options you have, and support you through next steps. Early detection usually means simpler, more effective treatment.

"My mother/sister/friend had a bad experience with screening."

Screening programs and technology have improved significantly. We're happy to discuss specific concerns and what's changed.

"I'm scared of what might be found."

Understandable fear, but not knowing doesn't make problems go away—it just finds them later when they're harder to treat. We provide support throughout the screening process.

Book Your Preventive Screening Appointment

Take control of your health—prevention starts today.

Our Ovara specialists provide comprehensive preventive health screening across 110+ clinics in Australia. We'll create a personalised screening plan based on your individual needs and risk factors.

Book online or call your nearest Family Doctor clinic to see an Ovara women's health specialist.

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