KUCHING: Sarawak has reported 226 cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) as of August 22 this year.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri however said there has been no detection of pre-cancer or positive cancer cases.
She said these cases were identified among 3,587 women in Sarawak who underwent the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, which includes HPV DNA testing this year.
“Based on the National Cancer Registry Malaysia 2012-2016 report, Sarawak has the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer, with 9.6 cases per 100,000 women annually.
“Due to this high incidence rate, Sarawak received the highest target this year, increasing from 4,200 to 12,000 individuals.
“This target considers the incidence of cervical cancer and the target population in each state,” she said when officiating at a Jelajah Kasih Keluarga: Segulai Sejalai programme at Kampung Muara Tebas Community Hall today (Sept 3).
As such, Nancy urged women to remain vigilant against cervical cancer by taking advantage of the free HPV DNA testing provided at three Nur Sejahtera Clinics (KNS) operated by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
She emphasised her ministry’s commitment to such programmes in Sarawak, given the state’s highest incidence rate of cervical cancer among all states.
“While other states may not have as many cases, we are focusing on Sarawak because it might be challenging for people, especially those in remote areas, to access screening facilities.
“That’s why I believe Sarawak needs programmes like this, especially in rural areas,” she asserted.
The programme, spearheaded by Sarawak LPPKN, stands as a proactive endeavour to raise awareness and provide crucial services.
These services include HPV DNA screening for early detection of cervical cancer and registering women for mammogram screenings to detect breast cancer.
Also present at the programme was LPPKN chairman Datuk Sri Rohani Abdul Karim.
