Individuals who are not experiencing any symptoms can still benefit from certain screening tests, depending on their age, medical history, and risk factors. One of the key messages at the inaugural Conference on Women's Health in 2026 was that medical examinations and early detection are vital tools for identifying potential health issues before they become more serious.
Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancer can develop without obvious signs. This means a person might feel perfectly healthy while a major disease is already progressing.
Why Medical Check-ups Are Important
The conference, held at the GIBS School of Business, gathered leading experts and advocates in women's health. Among them were clinical psychologist and founder of the CBT group Dr. Colinda Linde, obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Sumaya Ibrahim, menstrual health activist Candice Chirwa, reproductive medicine specialist Professor Zoso Nene, menopause researcher and practitioner Dr. Nicole Jaff, co-CEO Tiko Benoit Renard, and head of oncology.
Dr. Nolutando Nematsverani, Chief Clinical Officer of Discovery Health, emphasized that 'Supporting women's health requires a life-cycle approach. Improved outcomes are achieved through a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, early intervention, and timely access to appropriate care.'
Although asymptomatic individuals may need screenings, the choice of test is determined by age, medical history, and risk factors. Routine check-ups are often postponed due to busy work schedules, family responsibilities, or the constant feeling of having more urgent matters. Others avoid doctors due to the fear of discovering problems.
There is also a common misconception that if a person feels well and has no symptoms, there is no real reason to undergo an examination. However, feeling well does not always guarantee complete well-being.
Medical examinations play a crucial role in preventive medicine because they allow for the identification of potential health problems before symptoms appear. This gives people the opportunity to seek appropriate help, manage risk factors, or make lifestyle changes at an earlier stage.
This is particularly relevant for South Africa, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, place a significant burden on the healthcare system. Regular screening helps people better understand their risks, manage existing conditions, and have informed conversations with specialists about their overall health.
The South African Department of Health has developed guidelines for screening conditions such as cervical cancer and breast cancer. The policy on cervical cancer also emphasizes the importance of detecting and treating precancerous changes before they progress to invasive cancer. Ultimately, screening is not waiting for discomfort; it is a proactive approach to one's health.
Tests and the frequency of their performance depend on numerous factors, including age, presence of symptoms, family history, pregnancy status, HIV status, individual risks, and access to healthcare. It is important to consult a doctor, nurse, or other qualified healthcare professional to determine which screenings are suitable for you and how often they should be performed.