Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake Remains Critically Low

New Health Quality Assessment data released August 2026 shows that more than 85 percent of eligible medical scheme beneficiaries aged 50 to 75 did not receive recommended colorectal cancer screening in the past five years. The disease is increasingly affecting women as well as men yet awareness and screening uptake remain dangerously low.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Slow-growing polyps can be detected and removed before they turn malignant. Yet most eligible women, even those with private medical cover, are not being screened.

What you need to know

• Screening is recommended from age 50 or earlier if there is family history.
• Many medical schemes cover screening tests in full as Prescribed Minimum Benefit.
• Early stages have NO symptoms. Screening catches it before you feel unwell.
• Symptoms include persistent change in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss.

What you can do

If you are aged 50 or older, ask your doctor or medical scheme: "Am I due for colorectal cancer screening?" If there is a family history, screening should start earlier. Do not wait for symptoms.