Cervical cancer screenings at City clinics nearly double year on year
22 August 2026
City Health nearly doubled the number of cervical cancer screening tests conducted at its facilities in the past year, increasing from 14 581 in 2024/25 to 27 561 in 2025/26. This Women's Month, the City is encouraging eligible women to make use of free cervical screening and other preventative health services available at its clinics.
Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern in South Africa, but it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and cervical screening (Pap smears), while early detection allows for treatment.
‘Women so often put the needs of others first, but their own health matters too. A check-up, a screening test or simply speaking to a nurse about something that is worrying you can make a real difference. The increase in cervical screening is encouraging, and we want even more women to make use of the free services available at City clinics,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The right information and access to healthcare can make it easier to act before a health concern becomes more serious.
The increase in cervical screening shows that more women are taking an active role in looking after their health, with the number of screening tests conducted through City Health almost doubling from 14 581 in 2024/25 to 27 561 in 2025/26.
Women who have a screening test are encouraged to return to the clinic for their results, where a healthcare professional can provide further advice and arrange referral for additional care if needed.
Girls can also access primary prevention through the annual HPV vaccination programme offered through schools by the Departments of Health and Basic Education. Women over the age of 30 who have not yet had a cervical screening (Pap smear) are encouraged to visit their nearest City Health clinic to access this important screening service.
City Health also provides a range of free sexual and reproductive health services, to help women to make informed choices about their health and circumstances.
These include family planning, pregnancy testing, antenatal and postnatal care, HIV and TB screening, and mental health screening.
In 2025/26, City Health provided 348 265 family-planning services. Women can choose from a range of contraceptive options, including condoms, oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives, contraceptive implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). There was a 68% increase in IUCD insertions, from 652 in 2024/25 to 1 098 in 2025/26, while almost 10 000 contraceptive implants were inserted.
For women who are pregnant, accessing antenatal care early can help ensure that both mother and baby receive the appropriate care and support.
During 2025/26, 21 948 women attended their first antenatal visit at City Health facilities, with more than 11 000 presenting before 14 weeks of pregnancy.
City Health encourages women to speak to a healthcare professional about their individual health needs and the services available to them.
‘Taking ownership of your health does not mean having all the answers yourself. It can be as simple as asking a question, making an appointment, having a screening test or talking to a nurse about something that is worrying you. Our healthcare teams are there to listen, provide information and support women in making choices that are right for them,’ added Councillor Higham.
Clients are encouraged to make an appointment via the City’s Healthcare Appointments System, which helps reduce waiting times and makes planning easier.
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