Health Issues Affecting Women
By Rudolph Ackermann, CEO at MANAGE ALL
Source: Council for Medical Schemes, August 2025
August is Women’s Month, and the 9th marks National Women’s Day, celebrating the care, courage, and everyday impact of women in shaping our society!
To mark this special month, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is raising awareness about important health issues that many women face and how Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) help ensure access to the right care at the right time.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected sex or after six months in women over the age of 35. It can be linked to irregular, very short (21 days), or very long (35 days or more) menstrual cycles and other underlying issues. Testing and treatment can be costly, but PMBs offer medical and surgical management limited to nine procedures and interventions.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovaries. While often harmless, they can cause pain or affect fertility if they rupture or grow large. PMBs cover the full diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up consultations and treatment if the services were obtained from a designated service provider(DSP). In case of an emergency, healthcare services must be paid in full, even if a non-DSP was used.
Termination of Pregnancy
Termination of pregnancy or abortion is a safe, legal procedure to end a pregnancy before the foetus can survive outside the womb. All women have the right to request an abortion, with no conditions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and under certain conditions up to 20 weeks or later if there is a serious risk. “Voluntary termination of pregnancy” is a PMB condition, and medical schemes must pay for the consultations, tests, medicines, medical or surgical abortion, and follow-up care through a DSP.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In South Africa, it has been identified as a national priority, as 1 in 42 women face a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer. However, it can be treated successfully if detected early. PMBs require medical schemes to cover diagnosis, treatment, and care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for treatable cervical cancer.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a lump or tumour. It is one of the most common cancers among women, but early detection and treatment can make a life-saving difference. PMBs guarantee cover for screening, diagnosis, and treatment, regardless of which benefit option a member or beneficiary is on. This includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and breast reconstruction where clinically appropriate.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries, which are the organs responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. It mostly affects women after menopause and is rare under the age of 40. While it can be difficult to detect in its early stages, early diagnosis improves outcomes. PMBs provide cover for treatment, including consultations, surgery, and chemotherapy, when the cancer is considered treatable.
