Founded in 2019, the ROSE Foundation has been at the forefront of revolutionising cervical cancer prevention in Malaysia. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
A wave of misinformation about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer has been circulating online recently, sparking confusion, fear and unnecessary stigma. In response, the ROSE Foundation is stepping forward to set the record straight with clear, evidence-based facts.
Founded in 2019, the ROSE Foundation has been at the forefront of revolutionising cervical cancer prevention in Malaysia. Its flagship ROSE programme empowers women with a simple, painless and private self-sampling test for HPV, paired with laboratory testing and digital follow-up.This innovative approach sets a new benchmark for women’s healthcare not only in Malaysia but across the Asean region.
"HPV is not like the flu or Covid virus," explains the foundation's chairperson Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, in a recent educational video posted on social media. "The flu virus is airborne and causes respiratory illness. HPV, on the other hand, is not transmitted through the air or by general touch."
Dr Adeeba emphasises that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and while it is extremely common – with about 80 to 90% of men and women acquiring it at some point in their lives – most people will clear the virus naturally within two years through their immune system.
However, in a small percentage of individuals where the virus persists, HPV can lead to serious health complications, including cervical cancer, often developing 10 to 20 years later. This is why early detection through HPV DNA testing is critical.
"Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers," says Dr Adeeba. "By identifying women who have persistent HPV infections, we can ensure they receive timely follow-up care and treatment long before cancer develops."
Read more: Malaysian homegrown cervical cancer screening programme is a pioneer role model
The flu virus is airborne and causes respiratory illness. HPV, on the other hand, is not transmitted through the air or by general touch, says Dr Adeeba. Photo: The Star/Filepic
The ROSE Foundation’s latest public awareness campaign aims to tackle myths that have taken root online, including false claims that HPV spreads through the air, casual contact or even shared facilities. These misconceptions, the foundation warns, can lead to fear and stigma, deterring women from getting screened or vaccinated.
Through collaborations with media, healthcare professionals, and advocacy partners, the foundation is committed to promoting accurate information and encouraging open, stigma-free conversations about sexual health and cancer prevention.
"We need to normalise discussions around cervical screening," notes Dr Adeeba. "When women understand how HPV works and how easy screening can be, they are more likely to take that first step."
Read more: Global NGO inspired by Malaysian pioneer model for cervical cancer screening
This initiative also comes ahead of a historic milestone – the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, to be observed globally on Nov 17, 2025. The day marks a unified global effort, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
In conjunction with this, the ROSE Foundation and Teal Asia, a movement for cervical cancer awareness, will be rolling out a month-long series of community activities, educational campaigns and awareness initiatives to support this global movement.
As Malaysia joins the world in this mission, ROSE Foundation continues to lead by example – proving that with innovation, collaboration, and accurate information, elimination is within reach.
For more information or to learn how you can participate in the upcoming activities, visit www.programrose.org or follow @programrose on social media.
