PETALING JAYA: Health screenings which are both affordable and convenient encourage women to get regular check-ups.
Senior executive Aida Zuriani Ahmad Idris, 48, said she had gotten health checks before but only when there was a discount or offered for free.
This included a mammogram and a pap smear which was offered as a company benefit, which made the screening hassle-free. As she moves towards 50 years, Aida plans to have annual comprehensive health screenings.
“Some women around me don’t go for health check-ups because they can’t afford it or fear the results,” she said.
Aida said making health screenings for women affordable was essential.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, as many as 65% of Malaysian women aged 20 and above have never undergone a pap smear check for cervical cancer and a mammogram examination for breast cancer.
Also, there were 71% of Malaysian women aged 40 and above who have never had a mammogram examination for breast cancer.
Another woman who wished to be known as Cheng said she only found out she had a big ovarian cyst after going through a computed tomography (CT) scan.
“The health check-up was an employee benefit and I wouldn’t have gone for a scan if it wasn’t covered,” said Cheng who is in her late 20s.
She said that health screening packages with CT scans and X-rays are very expensive, costing up to RM700.
A research assistant, who only wanted to be known as Ellie expressed frustrations that women’s health was “not taken seriously”.
She said the lack of awareness was leaving many women without essential preventative care.
“I’ve met women who don’t know what a gynaecologist is, let alone the importance of getting routine screenings,” she added.
Ellie, 29, said the solution to connecting women with essential care lies in the hands of public health officials.
She said they need to be “on the ground” in communities, providing detailed information about the importance of routine procedures for women.
Coaching and support manager Nadia Nicole Abd Halim, 34, tries to stay on top of her routine appointments but acknowledges the stigma around certain tests prevented women from seeking care.
“Reproductive health is not something we talk about enough and the avoidance that comes out of the perceived shame leads to increased risks of cervical cancer in the community,” she said.
Having gone for her pap smear twice, Nadia echoed the need for more transparency on what these tests entail for those who are hesitant.
“The benefit in the long term is that you have peace of mind. With different illnesses, it’s always good to have routine checks so that any abnormalities can be addressed early on,” she added.
Executive P. Dhanaletchumi, 39, said she opted to get a full medical check every three years to keep her mind at ease.
“I have done pap smears because my family has a history of cancer. I also found out that I have a high risk of ovarian cancer through a test,” she said.
“For me, early detection and prevention are important, and it is always better to do check-ups so you can catch any abnormalities.”
She also hoped more companies would step up by providing adequate medical benefits and regular screening for employees.
Assistant manager Faridah Begam A, 55, said it was always better to be in the know rather than find out later about an illness.
“Health screening gives us peace of mind. We also know what is wrong, what is right and what needs to be addressed,” she said.
It was at the recommendation of a friend that content researcher Natalie R, 31, decided to get a full check-up, including a pap smear.
“Personally, it’s because the women in my family only get treatment when a condition has taken for the worst and I prefer to prepare early and be educated in case I were to be diagnosed with something.
“I think awareness and acceptance again, speaking from my family’s side, the women tend to delay their visit to the doctor,” she said.
She also hoped there would be more subsidies and availability of treatment for women seeking help, especially for female-related health issues.
