KUALA LUMPUR: Women are putting the needs of others above their own, with many even neglecting to check their health.
This, coupled with a lack of awareness, time constraints due to family and work commitments, has led to the underuse of essential – and free – health screenings like pap smears and mammograms.
Women’s health experts say the issue is also compounded by a lack of awareness of the risks and prevalence of cancers and a lack of national screening programmes.
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Lee Say Fatt said despite the availability of free testing at government clinics such as Klinik Kesihatan and Family Planning Clinics, many women are not taking advantage of these services.
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“Many women also still do not realise that cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Early detection of breast cancer is also possible.
“Some women mistakenly believe they are fully protected against cervical cancer after receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
“It’s important to inform all women that regular cervical cancer screening is still crucial, even after the full course of vaccination,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Dr Lee said time constraints due to work and family commitments also further contribute to the issue.
“Women often find it challenging to schedule routine health screenings when they feel healthy and symptom-free,” he said.
“Each clinic visit usually requires half a day and women have to juggle time for work and family.”
Highlighting the vital role women play as caregivers, Dr Lee said that neglecting their health can impact those they care for.
“Cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination and regular screening. Early detection of cancers often means less disruption to family dynamics,” he said.
He urged women to be proactive about their health, recommending that they seek information and discuss health matters with their primary healthcare providers.
When asked, Dr Lee said HPV tests are recommended for sexually active women aged 30 to 65 according to Health Ministry’s guidelines.
“Women younger than 30 can be offered cytology screening.
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“For women who have never been sexually active can opt not to be screen for cervical cancer because the risk is very low.
“Those who are sexually active whether previously or currently, should be screened at the recommended intervals, regardless of marital status.
“Mammograms are recommended biennially for women aged 50 to 74, with more frequent screenings for those at moderate risk,” he said.
With government clinics and hospitals providing many health screening services for women, such as cervical and breast cancer screening, Dr Lee said women should take this opportunity to look after their health.
Academy of Medicine of Malaysia’s College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Dr Premitha Damodaran noted that despite available facilities, the decision to prioritise health check-ups often falls by the wayside.
“Women often think of themselves last, prioritising family members first.
“This tendency, coupled with fear and misconceptions about screenings, deters women from attending appointments.
“Fear of pain or discovering something wrong often keeps women away,” she said.
Dr Premitha noted a significant barrier to regular health screenings in Malaysia was the absence of a national mammogram or pap smear programme.
“Our Klinik Kesihatan are doing a great job in providing comprehensive health checks and education,” she said.
“However, unlike countries with national registries that remind women to attend screenings, Malaysia lacks such systems.”
Dr Premitha called for a national policy to increase health awareness and screening participation.
“A national policy would significantly raise awareness and encourage women to take charge of their health,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of regular check-ups from a young age, regardless of marital status or sexual activity.
“It’s invaluable for young women to discuss their health with a doctor, learn about managing periods and understand lifestyle impacts,” she said.
“Regular check-ups can detect conditions such as ovarian cysts or fibroids early, even in women who are not sexually active.”
Dr Premitha noted that women are the centre of their families and must look after themselves first to care for others effectively.
“It’s like the oxygen mask on a plane; secure your own before assisting others.
“Prioritising women’s health is essential for the well-being of families as a whole,” she said.
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.
Based on an index by health and medical technology firm Hologic Inc and polling company Gallup, only 36% of women worldwide have been tested for high blood pressure and 19% have tested for diabetes; only 11% have been tested for any cancer while 10% were tested for sexually transmitted disease or infections.
It also said that nearly two billion women of reproductive age are at risk of infertility, increased maternal and fetal mortality and other deadly diseases.
The Index was based on interviews with more than 147,000 women and men in 143 countries and territories, and claims to represent the voices of 97% of the world’s women and girls aged 15 and older.
