KUCHING: Malaysian women seem to be losing the fight in the battle with cervical cancer as an estimated 600 patients die from it annually.
Regardless of the efforts taken in raising awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of screening, it is still one of the top serial killers among Malaysian women albeit being the most preventable disease.
The incidence rate of Malaysian women with cervical cancer in 2016 has drastically increased from 0.0068 percent in 2011, to 0.02 percent, based on the data from Health Ministry.
Findings from health and morbidity survey further revealed only 47.3 percent of women has performed Pap smear screening although free smear test or cervical screening awareness has been roaring, especially widening the accessibility.
According to a government medical officer Dr Siti Kamilah Wahbi, the lack of awareness on the importance of prevention measures as well as the negative perception associated with Pap smear test or cervical screening are profound to their reluctance.
“The lore about Pap smear test has been associated with negative vibes. Many have seen this as an intrusive, loathing and hurts.
“Young women especially put off smear tests due to squeamish feelings and worry about being hurt,” she said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Thursday.
In other words, smear tests have been perceived as embarrassing.
The 2014 National Population and Family Population survey found that those aged 15 to 29 are at the lowest in performing pap smear test, with 47.1 percent have not had a smear test within its timeframe.
In hopes of reckoning their fear for smear, Dr Kamilah emphasised on its benevolent impact in saving women lives since the smear test can help them to detect the cancer cells at early stage.
“Getting HPV vaccine is definitely more fun than having a smear test, however, it is important to understand that the vaccine does not guarantee the risk to get cervical cancer. Especially those who are sexually active and have not begun the screening yet.
“We encourage all women to go to any health centre for more information. Those who livin Kota Padawan, we would like to invite them to our clinic this Saturday as we will hold a talk regarding cervical cancer and measures that can be taken for prevention,” she advised.
Meanwhile she also reminded the prevalence of understanding Pap smear test to be conducted among adults and elderly who have menopause in particular.
“Senior citizens ranging from 50 years old and above and those who already menopause, including those who have not follow-up are urged to do screening test.
“The critical age where 50 percent of women suffering cervical cancer are those aged between 40 and 60.
“If cancer cells are detected at early stage, there is high percentage to treat disease and survive through diagnose and medical treatment.
“For example, if women between the ages of 30 to 39 found the disease, this will help us to spot any potential developing cervical cancers at an early stage while it is still highly treatable,” she said.
Through early screening tests, patients would have higher percentage of survival, only if it is diagnosed and treated in Stage 1, where it is still confined in the uterus.
“However, to detect its precise growth is not easy as it depends on the individual’s body. In some cases, some women may face symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or heavy discharge. Likewise, there are some who do not have any of the symptoms,” she stressed.
Among the symptoms are heavy vaginal discharge, bleeding or pain during and after intercourse, as well as unusual bleeding after menopause.
Dr Kamilah also mentioned that the screening test is highly recommended for women who have been sexually active which need to be performed in consecutive years or within three to five years of timeframe.
She also hoped that through the awareness and engagement programme which will be held at the mother and child public clinic in Kota Padawan at 10th Mile on April 6 from 7.30am to 12pm, would help to raise awareness on the importance of early detection for breast and cervical cancer.
It is advisable to refrain from sexual activity 24 hours before the day of Pap smear test.
It is advisable to perform test annually for the first two years, followed by once every three years if results are normal.
