Women’s health cannot wait for “someday.”
Women spend so much time caring for others that their own health often gets pushed aside. Appointments are delayed, symptoms are ignored, and preventative screenings become “something for later.”
The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is a reminder that women’s healthcare should never be an afterthought. Early screenings and routine check-ups can help detect serious conditions before they become life-changing.
Taking action for your health does not always mean major changes. Sometimes it starts with finally booking the appointment you have been postponing.
As women move through different stages of life, their health needs change too. Here are some of the important screenings women should prioritise at every age to take action for their long-term health and wellbeing.
Ages 18–25: “I’m young, so I don’t really need check-ups yet.”
Many younger women avoid routine screenings because they feel healthy. But this stage is important for building lifelong health habits and identifying silent issues early.
Important screenings:
- Blood pressure checks
- Iron and anaemia screening
- Mental health check-ins
- Sexual health screenings
- Cervical health discussions
Ages 26–39: “I’m too busy taking care of everything else.”
Between careers, children, relationships, and daily pressure, many women neglect their own health during these years. Stress, exhaustion, and burnout often become normalised.
Important screenings:
- Pap smears
- Breast health checks
- Cholesterol testing
- Blood sugar screening
- Stress and burnout assessments
Ages 40–49: “I feel fine, so it can wait.”
This is often the stage where women postpone screenings because there are no obvious symptoms. But many serious conditions develop quietly over time.
Important screenings:
- Mammograms
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Diabetes screening
- Heart health assessments
- Eye examinations
Ages 50–64: “I’ve spent my whole life putting others first.”
After years of caring for family and loved ones, many women continue placing their own health last. Preventative care becomes even more important during this stage of life.
Important screenings:
- Bone density scans
- Colon cancer screening
- Mammograms
- Hearing and vision tests
- Arthritis assessments
Ages 65+: “I don’t want to be a burden.”
Many older women avoid appointments because they fear difficult news or losing independence. In reality, preventative care helps women stay active, confident, and independent for longer.
Important screenings:
- Osteoporosis screening
- Fall-risk assessments
- Cognitive health monitoring
- Medication reviews
- Heart health monitoring
Women are often expected to be strong for everyone around them. But strength also means knowing when to slow down, listen to your body, and prioritise your own wellbeing. The appointments that feel easy to postpone today could become the ones that make the biggest difference tomorrow.