People without symptoms may still benefit from certain screening tests, depending on their age, medical history and risk factors.
One of the key messages at the inaugural Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026 was that health screening and early detection are important tools in identifying potential health concerns before they become more serious.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers can develop without obvious symptoms. This means a person can feel perfectly healthy while an underlying condition is already developing.
Held at the GIBS Business School, the conference featured leading experts and advocates in women’s health, including clinical psychologist and founder of the CBT group Dr Colinda Linde, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sumayya Ebrahim, menstrual health activist Candice Chirwa, reproductive medicine specialist Prof Zozo Nene, menopause researcher and practitioner Dr Nicole Jaff, Co-CEO Tiko Benoit Renard, and head of oncology.
“Supporting women’s health requires a life-course approach. Improved outcomes are achieved through a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, early intervention, and timely access to appropriate care,” said Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health.
