Top 5 Health Checks Every Woman Should Prioritise

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, shines a spotlight on the importance of preventative care this Women’s Month by encouraging women to prioritise essential health checks that can save lives.

“This Women’s Month, we want to remind every woman that her health matters. Regular screenings are not a luxury, they’re a necessity,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“The earlier we detect potential problems, the better the outcomes. Prioritising preventative care can save lives.”

Women often put their families and communities first, yet delay or overlook their own health needs. Whether it’s due to busy schedules, financial worries, or underestimating the risk, thousands of women miss out on critical screenings each year.

Here are five essential health checks every woman should schedule:

Pap Smear and HPV Testing

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death among South African women. Regular screening plays a critical role in early detection and treatment. According to updated international guidelines, women aged 25 to 65 should undergo HPV testing every five years as the preferred method. If HPV testing isn’t available, co-testing with a Pap smear and HPV test every five years or a Pap smear alone every three years is also an acceptable option. These tests can detect abnormal cell changes and the presence of high-risk HPV strains long before cancer develops.

Breast Examination and Mammograms

Breast cancer doesn’t wait for you to turn 50. Regular self-checks are a good habit, but they’re not enough. Clinical breast exams and mammograms can detect lumps or irregularities long before they become dangerous. If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, don’t wait; talk to your doctor about starting mammograms now.

Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Glucose Tests

Heart disease is often thought of as a “man’s problem”, but it’s a significant threat to women, too. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women globally. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar often develop without symptoms until something serious like a heart attack or stroke happens. That’s why regular screening is especially vital for women over 35, or those with a family history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Reproductive and Hormonal Health

Issues such as painful periods, mood swings, unexplained weight gain, or infertility might signal hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. A general check-up with a GP can help identify when further investigation is needed. Hormonal health is also key in managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Mental Health Check-Ins

Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety, yet stigma and societal pressure still make it hard to reach out for help. This Women’s Month, make mental wellness part of your routine. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, withdrawn, irritable, or chronically fatigued, don’t dismiss it, as these may be signs that you need to talk to someone.

Because Prevention is Power

Making time for these five essential health checks isn’t a luxury; it’s life-saving self-care. With benefits including GP referrals, diagnostic procedure support, and 24/7 health access, Affinity Health ensures that critical screenings like mammograms and Pap smears are accessible under the right plan options.