It saddens me when there are so many patients being diagnosed to have cervical cancer when it is almost always preventable.

Do you know that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of female cancer in Malaysia and it is the 2nd most common female cancer in women aged 15 to 44 years old in Malaysia.

What is cervical cancer? 
It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix cell and it is usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Most sexually active individuals will become infected by HPVs virus at some point of life but in most cases, it will go away without any treatment. In some of the cases, the pre-cancerous cells will turn into cancer.
There are usually no signs and symptoms until it reaches advanced stage, hence early screening and detection is important to prevent the disease.

Here comes the most important part of the post,

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
1) Regular screening is vital!
There are different screening program offered by NGOs and government organization in Malaysia.

 It is a test, similar to a Pap smear test, looking for the presence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA or genes in cervical cells. Certain HPV causes a higher risk of cervical cancer. This test can be done together with liquid-based cytology to provide a more optimal screening for cervical cancer.

 In view of this, Johor Family Health Association (JFHA) in collaboration with FHRAM and IPPF is conducting a FREE HPV DNA TESTING (Normal Price: RM 90) with blood pressure and BMI screening for all women aged between 30 to 65 for a small registration fee of RM 5.

Other tests such as Pap smears, fasting blood sugar, basic gynaecology ultrasound scan and contraception services can be done for a subsidized fee.

Date : Every Saturday for the month of October, November & December
Time : 10 am to 12 noon & 2 pm to 4 pm
Venue : Johor Family Health Association
 10-A, Jalan Abiad Satu Taman Pelangi 80400 Johor Bahru

Please kindly contact Ms Guna at 07-3337772 for more details and to book your appointments

2) HPV Vaccines

There are different options of vaccines and you can get it at almost all GPs clinic/hospital in Malaysia. Consult your doctor for more information.

However, even if you had the HPV vaccines, it is still recommended for you to have regular screening according to your local guidelines.

3) Has fewer sexual partners.

Since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, having fewer sexual partners reduce the chance of getting HPV infections.

4) Have a healthy lifestyle!

That is all from me for today!
I hope you enjoy the health talk!

Till we meet again, xoxo