The crippling cost of poor health

Why physical health today is financial health tomorrow

We’ve all heard the saying, "Good health is good wealth". But with chronic diseases becoming more prevalent in South Africa, this couldn’t be more true.

Staying healthy isn’t just about feeling good - it’s about avoiding the financial complications that comes with getting sick. Medical bills, lost income, and the long-term costs of managing chronic conditions can put serious strain on individuals and families and quickly reduce a nest egg of savings to nothing. Fortunately, you can protect both your well-being and your future bank balance by taking care of your health today.

The cost of poor health

Chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of illness and death in South Africa, and they come with hefty price tags.

According to Statistics South Africa, in 2018, just over half (51.3%) of diagnosed cancers were in women, while 48.6% were in men. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years for women and 64 years for men.

The Independent Clinical Oncology Network (ICON) estimates that cancer treatment can cost up to R1 million per patient per year. That includes everything from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care. For many families, these expenses are overwhelming, especially when combined with time off work during treatment.

A Discovery Health Medical Scheme report written in 2018 revealed specific costs for the treatment of the following prevalent cancers:

• Breast cancer: R60,591 p/a
• Prostate cancer: R45,491 p/a
• Melanoma: R60,926 p/a
• Colorectal cancer: R119,331 p/a
• Leukemia: R281,455 p/a

The report also revealed the cost of three medications commonly used to treat colorectal cancer over the course of one year. These included:

• Avastin: R11,534 p/month
• Erbitux: R15,155 p/month
• Stivarga: R8,888 p/month

Heart disease and strokes remain the biggest killers in South Africa, causing more deaths than all cancers combined. The cost of surgery, treatment and recovery from a heart attack or similar major cardiovascular event is estimated to be more than R600,000pa, should the patient choose to go to a private hospital in South Africa. This high cost is partly due to the prolonged hospitalisation that follows such an event. The financial burden of CVD therefore goes beyond hospital bills to include lost productivity, long-term medication costs, and ongoing medical care.

An investment in health costs less than you think

The best way to avoid massive medical bills down the line is to take action now. Living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of chronic diseases. And the best part? Many of these habits don’t cost much - if anything.

• Prioritise mental health: Managing stress, seeking support, and practising mindfulness can prevent physical health from spiralling.
• Move your body: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart health.
• Eat well: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains fuels your body and lowers your risk of disease.
• Get enough sleep: Good sleep is essential for immune function, brain health, and stress reduction.

Catch problems early and save money with preventative health screenings

Think of regular health check-ups like servicing your car: small checks now can prevent major breakdowns later. A yearly visit to your GP, pharmacy, or clinic can help catch potential health concerns early, making treatment easier and often much cheaper. Keep a record of your results to track any changes over time.

Five essential health checks for all South Africans

Make sure you’re checking these key health indicators every year:

• Blood pressure – High blood pressure is a silent killer, so monitoring it can help detect hypertension early.
• Cholesterol levels – High cholesterol increases heart disease risk, but catching it early can improve outcomes.
• Blood glucose levels – Keep an eye on your sugar levels to prevent diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask for an HbA1C test, which measures your blood glucose over time.
• BMI (Body Mass Index) – Knowing your BMI helps you determine whether you’re in a healthy weight range. Calculate it by dividing your weight (kg) by your height squared (m²), or use an online BMI calculator.

South Africa’s sunny climate means a higher risk of skin cancer. Remember to wear sunscreen daily and check your moles every three years if you’re between 20 and 40, and annually if you’re over 40.

Essential health checks for women

• Pap smear: Start two years after becoming sexually active or at age 21, then repeat every 18-24 months until age 65.
• Breast self-exam: Do this monthly to check for lumps or unusual changes.
• Mammogram: Start annually from age 40, or from age 30 if you have a family history of breast cancer. High-risk women should consult their healthcare provider about the best frequency.
• Bone density scan: Post-menopausal women should have their first scan at age 65 and repeat every two years if their scores are low.

Essential health checks for men

Prostate health: From age 45, schedule a prostate examination and PSA blood test annually.

Health checks everyone over 45 should consider

If you’re over 45, have a family history of chronic conditions, or have had health concerns in the past, add these screenings to your routine:

• Lab stool test – Detects hidden blood in your stool, which can indicate bowel issues (annually).
• ECG test – Checks heart function and detects abnormalities (every two years).
• Colonoscopy and gastroscopy – Screen for colon and digestive tract issues (every 2 to 5 years, depending on risk factors).

Get help covering expenses with dread disease cover

A dread disease, or critical illness, can be financially devastating. The cost of the medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation might not be covered in full by your medical aid. In addition, you might be unable to work during or after treatment.

The pay-out from your dread disease cover policy can be used to replace lost income, and to cover medical expenses, so that you and your family can focus on your recovery.

The bottom line: prevention is cheaper than cure

Taking care of your health is as much about protecting your finances as it is about avoiding illness. Medical costs can add up quickly, and chronic diseases often mean long-term expenses. By making smart health choices today, you’re making a financial investment in your future. Stay proactive, stay informed, and take control of your health now. You’ll thank yourself later!