The Gauteng Department of Health has recorded a 29% increase in cervical cancer screenings, with nearly 200,000 women accessing screening services during the 2025/26 financial year.
The increase comes as South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March, with the province highlighting the importance of ensuring women have access to health information and essential healthcare services.
Nearly 200,000 Women Screened For Cervical Cancer
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, 198,611 women were screened for cervical cancer during the 2025/26 financial year.
This compares with 153,703 women screened during 2024/25, representing an increase of 44,908 women accessing cervical cancer screening services.
The screenings can help detect changes in the cervix at an early stage, before they develop into cervical cancer.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, said the increase demonstrates the impact of improving women's access to health information and services.
“The women of 1956 understood that progress begins when women stand up and act. Seventy years later, we honour them by ensuring that women are empowered with information and access to services that can save their lives. Every woman who goes for screening is taking charge of her health, her future and the wellbeing of her family,” she said on Sunday.
The remarks were made as the National Women's Day commemoration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaigns Drive Screening Uptake
The Gauteng Department of Health attributed the increase in screening numbers to cervical cancer awareness campaigns implemented across all five provincial health districts from the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
The West Rand recorded the largest improvement in screening uptake, while Ekurhuleni has been identified as an area requiring further targeted interventions.
Mazibuko said the province would continue its efforts to encourage more women to access screening services.
“The increase is encouraging, but our work will continue until every eligible woman understands the importance of screening and can access the service,” said Mazibuko.
Cervical Cancer A Major Health Concern In Africa
Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern across sub-Saharan Africa.
According to a March 2024 report from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa.
The report also found that 18 of the 20 countries with the highest cervical cancer burden globally are in the African Region, which accounted for 23% of worldwide cervical cancer deaths in 2022.
However, cervical cancer is largely preventable through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening. When detected early and treated promptly, it can also be cured.
Gauteng Continues HPV Vaccination Campaign
The increase in cervical cancer screening forms part of Gauteng's broader efforts to prevent the disease, including its single-dose HPV vaccination campaign.
The campaign targets eligible Grade 5 girls aged nine years and older, providing protection against high-risk HPV types responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
During the 2025/26 implementation period:
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72,249 Grade 5 girls were vaccinated at public schools.
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A further 9,740 girls were vaccinated at independent schools.
The department will continue its cervical cancer awareness initiatives during the 2026/27 financial year.
Ward-Based Primary Health Care Outreach Teams will also receive training to provide information and education about cervical cancer prevention and screening during household visits.
Who Is Eligible For Cervical Cancer Screening?
Under Gauteng's screening programme, HIV-negative women are screened at ages 30 and 50.
Women living with HIV are eligible for cervical cancer screening from the age of 20.
The department encouraged women to undergo screening even when they do not have symptoms, as early changes to the cervix may not cause noticeable symptoms.
Women are also encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as:
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
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Unusually heavy or prolonged periods.
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Unusual vaginal discharge.
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Pain during sex.
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Lower abdominal pain.
Women Encouraged To Prioritise Cervical Cancer Screening
The Gauteng Department of Health urged women to make cervical cancer screening part of their regular healthcare routine and encourage other women to do the same.
“This Women’s Day, the department calls on women to make their health part of the continuing march towards equality and empowerment by going for cervical cancer screening and encouraging other women to do the same.
“Parents and caregivers are also urged to sign and promptly return HPV vaccination consent forms to schools so that eligible girls do not miss the opportunity to receive protection against cervical cancer,” it said.
