Keep abreast of your health

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are two of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. Luckily, there’s a good chance of recovery if you catch them early. By knowing your body, what’s normal for you and going for regular screenings, you can prevent cancer from sneaking up on you.

Examine your breasts

Women detect 90% of breast lumps themselves before a doctor does. That’s why it is so important to examine your breasts regularly to detect abnormalities. If you are unsure how to do it, you can go for a clinical breast examination and your healthcare provider can teach you how to do the examination. When you examine your breasts, keep in mind that menstruation and ovulation can cause the glands in your breasts to swell, which can feel like a lump to searching fingers. Check your breasts again when you’re in a different part of your cycle to see if the lump is still there. Many lumps are harmless, but visit your GP if you find one. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram (breast X-ray).

Screening for cervical cancer

Our bodies produce new cells all the time and sometimes these cells are abnormal. A cervical screening test may detect abnormalities in cervical cells before they become cancerous.

Early cervical precancers or cancers often have no signs or symptoms, which is why Pap smears are important.

Most abnormal results are caused by an infection or the presence of treatable precancerous cells, rather than cancer itself.

There is a considerable lag time (10 to 15 years) between the development of precancerous cells (lesions) and invasive cervical cancer.

Changes in how often your medical scheme pays for screening tests

It is important to be proactive about your health and to ensure that you screen appropriately and responsibly.

Since mammograms and Pap smears detect all abnormalities, not just dangerous ones, screening too often can cause unnecessary worry or even unneeded further tests. The screening and prevention benefit on TFG Medical Aid Scheme caters for screening benefits as follows:

All adult female members have cover for:

• One mammogram every year for females
• One Pap smear every year for females.

Members on Plan B now also have access to:

• BRCA testing (once-off) for those with a genetic risk.