Cost is barrier to health screening for many women

Research from private medical insurer PruHealth reveals that four in five women (79 per cent) have never been for a full body health screening to detect for chronic diseases, such as breast cancer or heart disease. And almost a third (30 per cent) of women have never even been to their GP for a general health check.

The perceived prohibitive cost of screening is a key concern for many women, with 37 per cent saying they would not go for a health screening as its too expensive. Almost the same amount of women – 36 per cent - would go for a health screen if they were available for the under-50s through the NHS.

Nick Read, PruHealth Direct Marketing and Partnerships Director, said: “People are putting themselves at risk by not having a regular check-up and full body health screen. Preventative methods like these can pick up early signs of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Research has also shown that a screen can encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

As part of PruHealth’s aim to reward members for looking after their health, it is offering members discounted health screens. It has teamed up with Nuffield, BUPA Wellness, The Diagnostic Clinic and Road to Health to provide health check-ups and full body screens at greatly reduced prices (prices depend on a customer’s Vitality status).

Read continued: “Early diagnosis can result in faster and more effective treatment. It can also have a knock-on effect on other things too, for example, critical illness cover. Whilst screenings are not compulsory, they do offer peace of mind and the opportunity to discuss ongoing health worries and possible lifestyle changes with a qualified medical practitioner.”