While we all know early detection boosts survival rates, it’s easy to procrastinate. The key is knowing which screenings matter most for you based on your age, gender, family history, and personal risk factors. 

These five key screenings are generally recommended based on family history, says specialist surgeon Dr Maré Du Plessis, based at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town: “Regular screenings based on your risk factors can detect cancers early when they are most treatable. It’s essential to discuss your personal and family medical history with your doctor to inform your screening plan.” 

1. Breast Cancer

• Screening test: Mammogram 

• Who should do it: Women aged 40–74, with earlier screenings for those at higher risk. 

• How often: Every 1–2 years starting at age 40 or as recommended by your doctor. 

“Women from the age of 40 should have routine mammogram screenings in order to detect any cancerous growth at its very early stages. The good news is that breast cancer survival rates have dramatically improved with advances in medical treatment. The five-year survival rate of stage one and stage two breast cancer is between 90 to 100 percent. Even for stage three cancers, the five-year survival rate is around 70 percent,” says Dr Du Plessis.

2. Colorectal Cancer

• Screening Test: Colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy (partial colonoscopy)  

• Who should get it: Adults aged 45–75, earlier if there’s a family history or other risk factors. 

• How often: Colonoscopy: Every 10 years (more frequently if polyps are found). 

“At the age of 45, you should schedule what we call a baseline colonoscopy, and decisions about when the next colonoscopy will be needed, is based on what’s found with this first colonoscopy. If it is normal, then we generally tell patients to come again in 10 years,” says Dr Du Plessis.  

He says of the choice between in-hospital or in-rooms for a colonoscopy: “Many patients are opting to do the colonoscopy in-rooms, where a light sedation by an anaesthetist ensures no discomfort, and they can go home within a couple of hours. Most medical aids in South Africa process the procedure under the in-hospital benefit, and while there is often a co-payment, in-rooms is usually the most cost-effective way to have the screening done.” 

3. Cervical Cancer

• Screening Test: Pap smear and/or HPV test. 

• Who should do it: Women aged 21–65. 

• How often: 

• • Pap smear: Every 3 years (age 21–29). 

• • Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years (age 30–65).

4. Skin Cancer

• Screening Test: Full-body skin exam by a dermatologist. 

• Who should do it: Anyone, especially those with fair skin, significant sun exposure, or a history of skin cancer. 

• How often: Annually, or as recommended. 

5. Prostate Cancer

• Screening Test: Blood test: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), and/or Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). 

• Who should do it: Men aged 50+, or earlier (40–45) for those with high risk such as family history. 

• How often: Discuss with your doctor to determine necessity and timing. 

“If prostate cancer develops, the symptoms are usually urinary, so patients generally go to their GP, and then get referred directly to a urologist,” says Dr Du Plessis.  

 Many medical aids cover key cancer screenings in order to assist patients with the early detection of cancers. Ask your GP about which screenings are most important for you, based on your family history and your own medical history, and book that screening today.  

Dr Maré Du Plessis performs breast cancer and colorectal cancer surgeries, amongst others. He has a private endoscopy suite in his rooms at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town, which makes it possible for patients to undergo a colonoscopy out-of-hospital.  

For more information visit www.drduplessis.com 

Words: Maryann Shaw

Image: Photoshop