Cervical Cancer: A Pressing Threat to Women’s Health

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 – Cervical cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer among women in Malaysia, claiming countless lives each year. The shocking reality? This disease is largely preventable with proper vaccinations and timely screenings.

Breaking the Silence and Stigma

Despite advances in healthcare, many women receive late-stage diagnoses due to stigma and a lack of awareness and access to information from health professionals. To change this narrative, Roche Diagnostics Malaysia has launched National Women’s Checkup Week (NWCW) 2025—an ambitious campaign aimed at elevating awareness about cervical cancer and promoting regular screenings nationwide.

A Call to Action at the Launch Event

The launch, held at Hilton Petaling Jaya, united medical experts, community advocates, and everyday Malaysians, all passionate about encouraging women to take the crucial step: getting screened. This year’s theme, #ShowUpForHerHealth, not only invites everyone to advocate for women’s health but also to stand united in the fight against cervical cancer.

Understanding HPV: The Silent Culprit

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases, can be detected early through routine screenings. Yet, awareness remains alarmingly low. Roche Diagnostics Malaysia’s General Manager, Heng Chai Yin, emphasizes that "Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early." The goal is clear: to ensure no woman is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.

Empowering Women with Self-Sampling Kits

A groundbreaking element of this year's campaign is the introduction of HPV self-sampling kits. This innovative tool allows women to collect samples in the comfort of their own homes, offering unprecedented autonomy and convenience in the screening process.

Early Detection Can Save Lives

Dr. Teo Ik Hui, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, highlighted that early detection significantly boosts survival rates. Empowering women with effective screening tools like self-sampling kits is essential to breaking down barriers to timely care.

Transforming Primary Care Clinics into Health Advocates

Dr. Beatrice Jee, a family medicine specialist, stresses the critical role primary care clinics play in women's health. By incorporating discussions about cervical health into routine visits, we can normalize preventive measures like HPV vaccinations and screenings.

Community Efforts to Enhance Accessibility

Organizations across Malaysia are banding together to make screenings more accessible. The self-sampling method addresses common issues such as embarrassment and time constraints, encouraging more women to take preventive measures for their cervical health.

A Game-Changer for Women Everywhere

Dr. Khoo Su Pei, of ROSE Foundation, asserts that self-sampling can revolutionize access to screenings, especially for women in rural areas or those hesitant about traditional methods like Pap Smears. By providing private alternatives, we’re bringing health services closer to women’s lives.

Collaborative Efforts to Spread the Word

Roche Diagnostics Malaysia is joining forces with numerous partners, including hospitals and clinics, to broaden the reach of NWCW through workplace screenings and educational initiatives. Notably, FWD has contributed RM30,000 to support these efforts.

Join the Movement: Men Can Play A Crucial Role

Men are also invited to partake by encouraging their loved ones to undergo screenings and fostering open conversations about women’s health. Together, we can change the narrative around cervical cancer and empower women to take charge of their health.