March 8 is International Women’s Day, when we celebrate all that women have contributed to the world socially, economically, culturally, or politically. But no matter how much we achieve, it’s common in our personal lives to put others before ourselves—sometimes to the detriment of our own health and well-being.
For this reason, self-care is far more than taking bubble baths with scented candles: it’s about being proactive about our health before we become sick or burnt out, so that we have more to offer others. After all, if we don’t look after ourselves, we don’t have anything left to give to our children, spouses, family and friends.
One of the most practical ways to exercise self-care is to schedule regular health screenings. These relatively minor tests can help detect potential health issues early which in turn can improve treatment outcomes. With that in mind, here are four essential health checks you should consider:
- Mammogram
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in South African women of all races, after non-melanoma skin cancer. Currently, it’s estimated that 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which makes early detection for effective treatment crucial. One of the best ways to do this is via a mammogram, which is a specialised X-ray that can detect breast abnormalities – often before symptoms appear.
If you’re over 40, you’re usually advised to have a mammogram every one to two years, depending on your risk factors. If you have a family history of breast cancer, consult your doctor about starting screenings earlier.
- Pap smear
While cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it remains a significant health threat for women. As of 2023, it was estimated that over 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in South Africa each year, and over half of them die from the disease. But this need not be the case: a pap smear is a simple but essential screening test that helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. If you belong to a medical aid scheme, you may be covered for the cost of having this screening, which is even more of a reason to do it. Fedhealth, for example, offers their members a screening benefit that includes a pap smear every three years for female beneficiaries aged 21 to 65.
- Bone Density Scan: Protecting Against Osteoporosis
Many women don’t consider osteoporosis a serious risk until they experience a fracture in their older years. However, bone loss starts earlier than most people realise, so you should start thinking about your risks before you reach your older years.
If you are over 50 or have a family history of osteoporosis (it’s estimated that one in three South African women will develop osteoporosis in their lifetime), several tests can be done to measure your bone density. These include a DXA scan, QCT (ultrasound and quantitative computed tomography), blood tests and a bone densitometry test. In the meantime, be proactive in preventing the disease through healthy lifestyle habits such as regular weight-bearing exercise and eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Check: Heart Health Matters
While you may think heart disease happens mostly to men, it’s also a leading cause of death among South African women. According to the World Heart Federation, the proportion of deaths from cardiovascular disease in South African women aged between 35–59 years is one and a half times more than that of women in the United States.
If you think you may be at risk, regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings can help monitor your heart health and allow for early lifestyle or medical intervention. If you’re over 40, have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, or more frequently if you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
- Blood Sugar Test: Preventing Diabetes
According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 11% of South Africa’s adult population have diabetes. Additionally, research by the University of Pretoria found that between 2008 and 2018, women accounted for 60% of all diabetes-related deaths. This increased susceptibility among women may be due to the influence of hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, which can affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
While diabetes can be life-threatening, a relatively simple fasting blood sugar test can help detect early signs of diabetes or prediabetes. If you’re over 45, overweight, or have a family history of the disease, it’s important to have your blood sugar levels checked regularly. Healthy eating, regular exercise and maintaining a balanced weight can also help prevent and manage the disease effectively.
Your health is your priority
As we celebrate the women in our world this International Women’s Day, don’t forget that this includes yourself. Regular health screenings aren’t just a routine hassle — they’re a way to empower you to take control of your well-being and catch potential health risks early, which in turn increases your chances of leading a longer, healthier and happier life.
