Women are natural caregivers. Whether it’s nurturing children, supporting ageing parents, or leading teams at work, they often put the wellbeing of others first.
Unfortunately, that can come at a cost — especially when it comes to health. In the daily juggle of responsibilities, it’s easy to let your own check-ups, screenings, and health priorities slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But the truth is, preventative healthcare is a necessity that could save your life.
Prevention is not just for when something’s wrong
Many of us are conditioned to visit our GPs or local specialists only when something feels off, or symptoms become too noticeable to ignore. But that mindset can be dangerous, especially when it comes to diseases that are easier to treat in their earliest stages.
Preventative healthcare is about staying ahead of illness. It includes regular screenings, vaccinations, lifestyle checks, and health assessments that can catch potential issues before they become serious. In short, it’s about investing in your future health, not just reacting when something goes wrong.
For women, this proactive approach is particularly crucial. Conditions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease often develop silently. With regular screening, however, these risks can be significantly reduced.
The cost of delay
There are many reasons women put off preventative care. Time, cost, and convenience are common barriers, as is the subtle belief that “it won’t happen to me.” Others fear what a test might find or wait until they feel unwell before making an appointment.
But the goal of preventative healthcare isn’t to confirm that something is wrong; it’s to ensure everything stays right. When something is found, early detection gives you more options, more control, and better outcomes.
Delaying diagnoses can result in more invasive treatment, longer recovery times, and, in some cases, a lower chance of survival. Let’s take a look at the realities of some of the most prevalent diseases women face:
- Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, but only when detected early. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), regular Pap screening decreases cervical cancer incidence and mortality by at least 80%. Recent studies and World Health Organisation guidelines indicate that primary HPV screening (every five years, with 70% coverage) can reduce mortality by 63% to 67% in low- and middle-income countries, and co-testing (Pap + HPV) provides 60% to 70% greater protection.
- Breast cancer is another leading concern. When caught at an early stage (Stage 1), the five-year survival rate is over 90%. However, that rate decreases drastically when detected at a later stage. Annual mammograms can detect tumors before they can be felt, offering a critical window for early intervention.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women globally, responsible for 30% of female deaths — more than all cancers combined. Yet, it’s often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, partly because women may experience different symptoms than men. Regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks prevent cardiovascular issues.
- HPV, a common virus that can lead to cervical cancer, is preventable with a vaccine. HPV vaccines target the strains responsible for approximately 70% to 90% of cervical cancers, and real-world data shows that HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer incidence by up to 88% when administered before age 17.
It’s not just physical — it’s mental too
Preventative healthcare isn’t limited to physical screenings. Mental health checks, stress assessments, and lifestyle evaluations play a major role in long-term wellbeing. Women are statistically more likely to experience anxiety and depression, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma, time constraints, or the belief that “everyone feels this way.”
Proactively managing stress, accessing therapy or wellness programmes, and tracking mental health can make a measurable difference in energy levels, resilience, and quality of life. When you care for your mental health, everything else becomes more manageable.
By looking after your health, you’re not taking away from those you support — you’re ensuring you can continue showing up for them in the years to come. Preventative screenings are a commitment to your future self, family, and ambitions.
What Profmed offers to support women’s preventative health
As a medical aid designed for professionals, Profmed recognises the unique pressures women face — and the importance of equipping them with preventative benefits that are accessible, practical, and built into their plans.
Here’s what’s included as part of Profmed’s Preventative Care Benefit:
- Pap smears (cervical cancer screening)
Available annually to all women. Pap smears are vital for detecting abnormal cervical cells before they develop into cancer. They’re quick, simple, and can make all the difference in early diagnosis and treatment. - Mammograms (breast cancer screening)
Available annually for women aged 40 and older. Mammograms help identify lumps or abnormalities that can’t yet be felt, allowing early-stage intervention. Women under 40 with a family history or risk factors can access the benefit with clinical motivation. Pre-authorisation is required for women under 40. - HPV vaccines
This vaccine is available to females aged 9–27. It is highly effective at preventing the strains of the human papillomavirus that most commonly cause cervical cancer. - Digital assessments
Profmed’s Health Booster benefit, Amplifire, includes a personalised health assessment. It’s a powerful tool for gaining insights into your health and wellbeing and empowers you to manage your health goals. - Mental wellness tools via the Profmed App
With Profmed Wellbeing, accessible via the Profmed App, members can monitor their mental health, access stress reduction resources, and build healthier habits, all from their mobile devices.
This month, put yourself first
Whether you’re a mom, a manager, or managing everything at once, your health should never be up for negotiation. Preventative care is one of the most empowering choices you can make because when you prioritise your health, you’re safeguarding your future and strengthening your ability to show up fully in all areas of life.
So, this month, take the time to book that screening, get the check-up, ask the questions, and use the benefits available to you. Your health is worth the investment. And if you’re a Profmed member, you’re already one step ahead. Your plan is designed to support proactive health, not just treatment. Let it work for you.
References:
Breast cancer early detection: a phased approach to implementation
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide.
Real-World Effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Against Cervical Cancer
