Teens & 20s
- HPV vaccination if not yet given (Grade 5 programme, catch-up to 26 privately)
- Monthly self-check, learn your normal now
- Yearly clinical breast exam from 20
- Sun protection: SA UV is extreme
Your schedule
What to check, when, and where it is free
Screening looks for cancer before you can feel it. It is the single most effective thing on this website. Find your age band and book what is due.
How to book Get a reminder9+Age HPV vaccination starts, in Grade 5
20Age yearly clinical breast exams start
30Age free Pap smears start
40Age to discuss mammography
By life stage
Find your age, find your list
30s
- First free Pap smear at 30
- Yearly clinical breast exam
- Monthly self-check
- Map your family history, write it down and take it to the clinic
40s
- Discuss mammography, every 1–2 years
- Second Pap smear at 40
- Colorectal screening discussion from 45
- Note any bleeding changes as perimenopause begins
50s and beyond
- Continue mammography per your doctor’s advice
- Third free Pap smear at 50
- Colorectal screening
- Any bleeding after menopause = clinic within one week
How to book, step by step
- Go to your nearest public clinic, no appointment is needed for a Pap smear or a breast exam at most clinics. Take your ID and, if you have one, your clinic card.
- Say exactly this: “I am here for a Pap smear” or “I would like a breast examination.” You do not need a referral, and you do not need a reason.
- Ask when results are back and write the date down. Go back for them even if nobody calls you.
- If you need a mammogram, ask for a referral letter to the nearest breast unit. Keep a copy of every letter.
- On medical aid? Book directly, and quote PMB cover once cancer is suspected or diagnosed.
What to say if you are turned away
Ask politely for the facility manager and for the reason in writing. Free cervical screening from age 30 is national policy, not a local favour. Then contact your provincial Department of Health complaints line, and tell us, we track refusals by facility.
We will remind you
Subscribe and we send one reminder when your next screen is due, by email or WhatsApp, whichever you use. No health data is stored, only the date you asked us to remind you.
Straight talk
What screening can and cannot do
CanFind cancer years before a lump is felt · find pre-cancer that can simply be removed · dramatically raise your odds
CannotCatch every cancer · replace acting on a new symptom between screens · guarantee an outcome
CostsSome false alarms and follow-up tests. Nearly every woman judges that a fair trade. You get to make that call yourself.