By DR. AANUOLUWAPO SOYOYE
Group Head, Technical & Business Optimization, AXA Mansard Health
Six years ago, the world experienced the most significant pandemic of our time. Social dynamics changed dramatically and mental health and wellness became a more important consideration for millions of people.
However, one of the underreported impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is the decline of health screenings, according to the American National Library of Medicine. In many cases, women. The international health emergency reportedly caused millions of people to delay or cancel doctor visits and postpone routine health screenings.
Regular health checks are a crucial part of preventing health issues down the line, and while some screenings are risk-based and testing intervals may vary depending on age, medical history and family history, they become more important with age.
The question is which should adult women prioritise and more importantly, when?
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2026 World Health Statistics Report highlights several health risks that make preventive screening more relevant than ever.
1. Anaemia Screening
According to the WHO, over 600 million women aged between 15 and 49 are unknowingly living with anaemia. This is a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.
If it’s untreated, it means your body tissues are quietly starved of oxygen. Because the condition often develops gradually, your body adapts, causing you to normalise chronic exhaustion or dismiss serious warning signs as simple stress.
What to do:
Ask your doctor about checking your haemoglobin and iron levels as part of your routine health assessments, especially if you’re experiencing frequent tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. A simple blood test can help identify anaemia or iron deficiency before symptoms become more serious.
2. Cardiovascular Assessment
When doctors talk about cardiovascular health or cardiovascular disease, they are referring to how well your heart and blood vessels work together as a single system.
WHO highlights that cardiovascular disease is still one of the world’s leading causes of premature death. According to the 2026 World Health Statistics Report, the average 30-year-old globally faces a significant risk of suffering from and dying from this condition before age 70.
What to do:
Blood pressure checks and cardiovascular risk assessments can help identify problems long before symptoms appear. Given that cardiovascular disease remains a major contributor to premature death worldwide, regular screenings are very important as women approach age 50.
3. Breast Health Screening
This is still one of the most popular and important screenings for women in their 30s and 40s (often earlier for Black women or women who have a relative who has had breast cancer), according to the WHO report.
Progress in reducing premature deaths from diseases like cancer has slowed considerably since 2015, so prevention and early detection is as critical as ever.
What to do:
The first step is to know your family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Learning how to perform breast self-awareness checks and discussing any change with a trusted doctor is a key next step.
If required, follow up with recommended screenings, which may include a mammogram, breast ultrasound or MRI, or physical examination.
4. Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening is so important.
WHO reveals that HPV vaccination is still an important step in preventing cervical cancer. Vaccination rates have increased globally from 12% in 2021 to 28% in 2024, but regular screening remains important for adult women. As cancer continues to be a major cause of premature mortality worldwide, preventive cancer checks should be a priority before age 50.
What to do:
If you’re between the ages of 25 and 49 and have ever been sexually active, make cervical cancer screening part of your routine healthcare. Speak to your doctor or gynaecologist about a pap smear or HPV test.
5. Diabetes Screening
Particularly if there is a family history of diabetes, excess weight, high blood pressure or inactive lifestyle, routine diabetes checks give women the opportunity to make lifestyle changes or begin treatment before complications become more serious.
It’s important to note that diabetes can often develop without symptoms, with many people living with the condition for years before it is detected.
What to do:
A fasting blood sugar (or HbA1c test) can help identify diabetes before any complications develop. As with most chronic diseases, finding out early significantly affects the long-term outcomes.
6. Hepatitis Screening
A 2025 press release from the Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation reveals that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living with Hepatitis B and C, which is more infectious and can be more deadly than HIV.
The WHO report also highlights that “Hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections and may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if untreated.”
This disease often has few or no symptoms in its early stages, which means many people do not know they are infected until serious liver damage has already occurred. Similar to cancer and diabetes, early detection is a critical part of preventing long-term complications and can significantly improve the results of treatment.
What to do:
If you’ve never been tested for Hepatitis, ask your doctor whether a hepatitis screening is appropriate for you, particularly if you’ve had blood transfusions, medical procedures, tattoos, piercings or other potential opportunities for exposure.
Turning 50 is more than a milestone birthday. It’s an opportunity to take stock of your health and invest in your future wellbeing.
While many serious conditions can develop without obvious symptoms, the good news is that many of these risks can be reduced if caught early.
If you’re delaying a health check, consider this your reminder: A few simple screenings today could make a meaningful difference to your health for years to come.
