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Women's Health Week falls from 7 to 11 September 2026.
This year’s theme, ‘Do it anyway’ encourages women to take steps for their health, in ways that work for them.
Too often, health can take a back seat to the many other demands women face, which is why it's so important to make it a priority.
Women’s Health Week is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the health issues that matter most to women and to encourage conversations about prevention, early detection and access to care.
Drawing on her experience contributing to the Ministerial Expert Panel on Women's Health and previously the National Women’s health Council, in addition to her academic and clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery, thoracic surgical oncology and PhD examining sex differences in lung cancer, our Director-General, Professor Zoe Wainer is emphasising the importance of improving health outcomes for women and addressing long-standing inequities in the healthcare system – particularly when it comes to heart health.
While women's health encompasses a broad range of physical, mental and social wellbeing issues, non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, continue to have a signnificant and disproportionate impact on the health of Australian women.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death among Australian women. Each year, almost one in four women who die in Australia die from cardiovascular disease, and more than half a million women are living with heart, stroke and vascular conditions.
This Women's Health Week, if you've been thinking about taking that next step for your health, do it anyway.
Whether it's booking a Healthy Heart Check, attending a screening appointment, seeing a GP, or seeking support for a health concern, taking action today can help improve health outcomes tomorrow.
Quotes attributable to Australian Centre for Disease Control Director-General Professor Zoe Wainer
“Women’s Health Week is an important reminder to put your health on the priority list. This year’s theme encourages women to take that next step, whether it’s booking a check-up, attending a screening appointment, or talking to a health professional about a concern.
Women's health is about much more than one condition or one stage of life. It is about ensuring all women can access the information, services and support they need to live healthy lives and achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, continue to have a significant and disproportionate impact on the health of Australian women.
As someone with a clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery and thoracic surgical oncology, I have seen firsthand the importance of understanding the difference between men and women when it comes to prevention, early detection and timely intervention. That's why regular health checks, including Heart Health Checks for eligible women, remain so important."