Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024
We are observing the month of January, the month of Cervical Cancer Awareness. Let us use this opportunity to better learn about the debilitating illness that has been plaguing many of our loved ones.
Cervical cancer develops in women’s cervix. Every year in Malaysia, an estimated of 1,740 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 56%; 991 of the total affected, would succumb to it. It is highly related to persistent or untreated infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which is easily transmitted through sexual contact.
When diagnosed or detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most highly treatable type of cancer. Late diagnosis of cervical cancer cases can still be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. Cervical cancer can be managed proficiently as a public health issue with comprehensive prevention, screening and treatment initiatives. For Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024, in line with its theme: “Learn. Prevent. Screen”, lets together get ourselves informed, screened and vaccinated to tackle the illness together.
What Are The Symptoms?
The symptoms of cervical cancer can vary depending on the advancement of the disease. It generally includes;
- Post-coital bleeding
- Prolonged menses
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge – foul smelling, associated with blood, thick mucus
If you have any concerns or unsure of your symptoms, seek advice and further attention from your preferred medical provider.
How To Do Proper Screening?
According to studies, regular cervical cancer screening reduced risk of up to 90% in the odds of advanced cervical cancer, and 57% reduction in the odds of Stage I cervical cancer.
The gold standard screening method is via Pap smear – where a sample of cervical scrape is obtained using cervical brush/broom, and examined under the microscope after the sample is stained with Papanicolaou; hence the name. This method can be done at your local general practitioner’s office or at any government healthcare institution.
Screening is advised to all sexually active women between ages of 30 and 65 years, with 3 yearly intervals if the results are normal.
How Can I Prevent Cervical Cancer?
HPV infection is the leading cause of the development of cervical cancer in women. While most HPV resolves spontaneously, untreated and recurrent HPV infections can cause cervical cancer in women. HPV Vaccination is proven to be highly effective in the prevention of HPV infection as well as reducing the risk of its recurrence and progression into cervical cancer. HPV Vaccination can be given to;
1. Girls between the age of 9 and 14 years old in 2 doses
2. Sexually active women above the age of 15 in 2 doses, 6 to 12 months apart
Safe sexual practice, abstinence or protective sexual behavior also plays a major role in prevention of HPV infection that can lead to cervical cancer in women.
So, this January 2024, for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, lets all work together and aim towards ending cervical cancer. Let’s all work to improve access to HPV vaccination, screening, treatment and management of cervical cancer. Let’s Learn, Prevent and Screen for cervical cancer for the betterment of our love ones!