Cervical cancer campaign introduces DIY screening

Participants of the programme with their goodie bags received after completing their screening.

MORE than 300 do-it-yourself (DIY) screenings for human papillomavirus (HPV) have been carried out in Selangor in a cervical cancer awareness campaign.

The “If Not Now, When? #endcervicalcancer” initiative was carried out by Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC).

The campaign’s goal is to eradicate cervical cancer through early detection and improve screening accessibility.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in women, resulting in 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020 globally.

In Malaysia, it is the third most common cancer impacting women.

The percentage of cases detected late is increasing annually.

The most effective approach lies in a combination of HPV vaccination and cervical screening, which offers the strongest defence against cervical cancer.

Attendees learning about the free DIY screening at one of the hospital’s outreach events.

In a statement, SJMC chief executive officer Bryan Lin said, “Cervical cancer is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ since it develops slowly without presenting any warning signs or symptoms.

“Through our ‘If Not Now, When? #endcervicalcancer’ campaign, we strive to positively educate and impact society by making cervical screening more accessible and acceptable to women, particularly those who may not be fully aware of the impact of the disease.

“As a healthcare provider, it is our responsibility to contribute towards achieving a cervical cancer-free Malaysia, which entails providing opportunities for screening.”

The events were organised by the hospital in a series of community outreach initiatives, with the support of Rose Foundation, SJ Echo, Subang Jaya Police District headquarters (IPD), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Klang Hokkien Association.

SJMC head of corporate marketing and centres of excellence Datin Seri Kristine Anne Williams (fifth from left) and consultant clinical oncologist Dr Matin Mellor (middle) with a group of policewomen from IPD Subang Jaya.

SJMC has extended its initiative to five People’s Housing Project (PPR) areas in PJS7, Angsana USJ1, Sri Tanjung USJ16, SS13 and SS19/7 in Subang Jaya, besides the Hokkien Association in Klang and IPD Subang Jaya.

The initiative kicked off in January this year with a five-day programme that provided self-sampling swabs to women in the Subang Jaya community.

SJMC deployed mobile trucks to each designated community area.

Women aged 30 and above who met the eligibility criteria were given instructions on how to do the test independently.SJMC, together with Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) joined forces with Hokkien Association Klang through the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

The partnership aimed to offer health benefits and discounts to the association’s members, encouraging them to undergo health screenings.

The community event attracted more than 100 women who had the opportunity to receive free DIY cervical cancer screening.