1. Regular screening

Routine pap smear tests are essential to detect precancerous conditions of the cervix. The Bonitas Be Better Benefit provides one pap smear every 3 years, or one HPV PCR test every 5 years, for all female members of the Scheme between the ages of 21 and 65. HIV positive women between the ages of 21 and 65, who are registered on the HIV progamme, are provided with a pap smear every year.

2. HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. The Bonitas Be Better Benefit follows the World Health Organisation recommendation and provides the HPV vaccine to all female members between the ages of 9 and 26:

• • Ages 9 – 14: two doses, 6 months apart (one course per lifetime)
  • Ages 15 – 26: three doses (one course per lifetime).

All HPV vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing HPV infection and cervical cancer. Ideally, people with reduced immune systems should also receive two or three doses, and many experts recommend also vaccinating boys to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in the community and to prevent cancers in men caused by HPV.

3. Safer sex

Safer sex practices include using a condom every time you have sex, limiting the number of sexual partners you have, and delaying starting sexual activity. These practices will also provide protection against other STIs, including HIV.

4. Stop smoking

Smoking damages the cells throughout your body, not just those in your lungs. Smoking not only increases your risk for cancer, but it also increases your risk of dying from cancer, as well as from other diseases.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions you can take to improve your health. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, talk to a health care professional about ways to help you quit.

You can find more information about the Bonitas Stop Smoking Campaign here.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

There is growing evidence that the greater your body fat percentage, the higher your risk for cancer. Excess weight results in the production and circulation of more oestrogen and insulin, two hormones that can encourage cancer growth.

Eating a healthy diet provides more protection than merely helping with your weight – up to 50% of preventable cancers are linked to the foods we eat. Limiting how much red meat you eat and reducing alcohol consumption are thought to lower cancer risk. Be sure to eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables every day.

Staying active throughout the day not only helps you feel better, but it also reduces your risk for disease, including cancer. Physical activity will help you control your weight and keep your hormone levels normal. Exercise helps by moving cancer-causing toxins out of your body.

Bonitas members get free access to eatForLife, a scientifically based electronic nutrition programme administered by qualified dieticians. You will find more information on the Bonitas member app.