07/08/2026
South African women face a growing and deeply concerning burden of disease. Breast and cervical cancer remain major threats, while nearly two thirds of women are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. This burden is compounded by mental health challenges, gender-based violence and financial stress.
Against this backdrop, prevention matters.
Nearly 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in South Africa every year. It is an alarming number. Even more alarming is that cervical cancer is one of the cancers we have the tools to help prevent.
The HPV vaccine protects against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers. Recognising its potential to change the course of the disease, the South African Department of Health has placed HPV vaccination at the centre of its drive to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—cervical cancer.
Medical schemes are an important part of this effort. Most schemes provide benefits for the HPV vaccine, helping to extend the reach of prevention. Most also provide cervical cancer screening benefits that can identify abnormal changes early, before they progress to cancer.
The protection offered by medical schemes extends much further, with benefits covering screening for breast and other cancers, treatment for most cancers, and care for 26 common chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes. Yet too many of these valuable benefits remain unused.
A screening benefit that goes unused cannot detect disease. A vaccine that is not received cannot prevent it. Taking up these benefits could protect health and save lives.
This Women’s Day, know your benefits. Use them. Make your health a priority.
