Cervical cancer screening awareness low among Malaysian women

KANGAR: Awareness among women in Malaysia regarding cervical cancer screening remains low, with only 60 per cent reportedly undergoing such tests.

National Population and Family Development Board director-general Abdul Shukur Abdullah said only 60 per cent of women in the country are aware of the importance of cervical cancer screening.

"Typically, women aged 35 and above are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Factors such as embarrassment, fear, and the belief that screening is unnecessary contribute to this cancer becoming one of the leading causes of death among women, alongside breast cancer.

"Unfortunately, most women only seek medical attention when the cancer has reached stage four, which is considered severe.

"In fact, based on the National Cancer Registry Report (NCRR), Perlis is the third-highest state with women diagnosed with cervical cancer," he told reporters.

Shukur said, under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, a campaign titled Women's Reproductive Cancer Awareness (WCaRe) was introduced in 2022 to coincide with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month every January.

"This programme aims to promote cancer screening initiatives, including free cervical cancer screening through the Human Papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid (HPV DNA) test and free breast cancer screening for eligible women.

"From 2019 to 2024, a total of 162,581 women nationwide have undergone the HPV DNA test. Last year alone, 50,057 women participated in the screening.

"In Perlis, 1,888 women underwent screening during the same period, with 475 of them being screened last year," he said.

Under the WCaRe campaign, said Shukur, the board is targeting 80,000 women nationwide to undergo screening this year.

"Of this number, 45,000 women are expected to take the HPV DNA test, while the remainder will benefit from mammogram subsidies.

"This programme prioritises B40 women, particularly those who are underprivileged, unable to afford screening, or have never undergone such tests," he added.