Women's Health Checks

Many women look after everyone else first: children, partners, parents, the household and work. Your own check-up keeps getting pushed to next month. That is very common, and it helps to know that the most important checks are quick and often free at a clinic.

What is happening

Some of the biggest health risks for South African women, like cervical cancer, breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and HIV, can be found early, often before any symptoms. Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in South African women, and it is largely preventable with the HPV vaccine and regular screening.

Your body changes across your life: periods, contraception, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause each bring different needs. Mood is linked too. Hormone changes, anaemia (low iron), thyroid problems and stress can all show up as tiredness, low mood or anxiety, so a physical check can sometimes explain how you have been feeling.

Public clinics offer free Pap smears or cervical screening, blood pressure and sugar checks, family planning, HIV testing and TB screening. Breast checks are done by a nurse or doctor, and mammograms are usually by referral. Medical aid members normally have preventive screenings paid from risk benefits, so check your plan.

Signs to notice

• You have never had a Pap smear, or cannot remember your last one
• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• A new lump, dimple, skin change or nipple discharge in the breast
• Very heavy periods, or feeling breathless and tired all the time
• Low mood, anxiety or irritability that follows a pattern with your cycle
• You are always last on your own list

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no to each question.

• Has it been more than three years since your last cervical screening, or never?
• Has it been more than a year since your blood pressure was checked?
• Have you not tested for HIV in the last year?
• Do you never check your breasts, or not know what is normal for you?
• Do you have a mother, sister or aunt who had breast or ovarian cancer?
• Are your periods very heavy, or do you feel tired and breathless often?
• Have you felt low or anxious for more than two weeks?

0-1 yes: You are on top of the basics. Keep a yearly reminder.
2-3 yes: A few checks are overdue. Book a clinic visit this month.
4 or more yes: Several things need attention. Book a proper check-up soon and mention how you have been feeling emotionally too.

What you can do next

• Today: Put a note in your phone of your last check-up, Pap smear and HIV test. If you do not know, that is your answer.
• This week: Get to know your breasts. Look and feel once a month, a few days after your period, so you notice changes.
• This month: Visit your clinic for cervical screening, blood pressure, sugar and an HIV test. Ask about contraception if it is not right for you.
• If your daughter is in Grade 5 at a public school, say yes to the free HPV vaccine when it is offered.
• Book your check-up on the same day as your child's clinic visit to save a trip.

Your tool

Lifestyle Health Check - a two-minute private check of your sleep, movement, food, alcohol, smoking and stress habits that shows where small changes will help most.

When to get professional help

See a doctor or nurse soon for any new breast lump, bleeding after sex or after menopause, or unexplained weight loss. Go to emergency care or call 10177, or 112 from a mobile, if you have heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, severe sudden pelvic or belly pain (especially if you could be pregnant), chest pain, or stroke signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurred, Time to call (FAST). If low mood or anxiety have lasted more than two weeks, talking to someone qualified helps.
Who can help: doctor, nurse, psychologist, counsellor, emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

Public clinics provide free cervical screening, family planning, HIV testing and blood pressure and sugar checks. Many pharmacy clinics offer the same at low cost. If you have medical aid, check your preventive benefits. For emotional support, the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 is available, and SADAG on 011 234 4837 can help you find support.