Kaya News Reporter
Latest data from Discovery Life reveals that cancer is the most common severe illness affecting South African women.
Highlighting key issues surrounding women’s health, the findings were released on Wednesday, 08 March for International Women’s Day.
Apart from cancer, nervous system and cardiovascular conditions are the other illnesses affecting South African women.
Data was taken from the period of 2020, where more than 54% of severe illness claims came from women were for cancer.
Dr Maritha van der Walt, Chief Medical Officer at Discovery Life shared, “As many as 29% of disability claims made by women during 2020 were also as a result of cancer, followed by 19% due to nervous system conditions and 17% related to mental and behavioural conditions, underscoring the need for interventions and proactive care in these areas.”
Early detection of cancer is particularly important to allow for intervention and a higher chance of survival from diagnosis.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, followed by colon, lung, and ovarian cancer.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many women were not able to have regular screenings, including mammograms, pap smears, and other examinations.
“This is tragic because many of the risk factors of cancer and cardiovascular conditions in women are preventable or manageable. We need to be doing more to advocate for healthy behaviour, prevention and proactive screening,” adds Dr van der Walt.
According to Discovery Life, cancer is still the leading cause of death, but due to screening, medical technology and better treatment, mortality rates are on a downward trend.
The percentage of death claims has decreased over the last few years, by 16% less cancer-related death claims.
A detailed report of the date can be found on the Discovery website.
Also read: Influencer Aisha Baker distances herself from Hello Darlings travel scam
