Kota Kinabalu:Some 1,500 Malaysian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer, said Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Redonah Bahanda.
“This is a concern and fear, as out of this number, six per cent of them could not be saved and died of cervical cancer,” she said in her speech, read by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Likas Wanita Chief Halijah Din who represented her during the opening of the “Save Women” Pap Smear Health Education Project, here, Saturday.
She said cervical cancer could affect women regardless of age and the risk is higher for those who practise a promiscuous lifestyle.
“It is important for all of us to take measures to prevent cervical cancer, and the way is to do a cervical examination, or better known as a pap smear test.
“This is the best approach for us to know the health level of our cervix and as our first line of defence in preventing this cancer.
“With this method, cells in the cervix that are formed or have the potential to become cancerous will be detected and God willing, the next step that should be taken will be recommended by the doctor or nurse who conducts the examination,” she said.
She added that women, from teenagers to the elderly, need to always know and be aware of their own health problems and take appropriate action to prevent them becoming more serious.
“I want all women, all of us regardless of whether we are old or young, to take a serious look at cancer-related issues that often attack women, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer and many other diseases.
“Because of that, we as women are strongly encouraged to always be aware and take seriously the need to undergo regular health check-up.
“We take the first step, undergo pap smear examinations and improve our quality of life and health because we are the pillars of the well-being of our families and communities,” she added.
She stressed that periodic pap smear tests should be done for three consecutive years.
“If all results are negative, then we repeat the pap smear test in the next three years.
“Cancer is a silent killer and we are sometimes not aware of the existence of cancer cells in the body unless we undergo a health check-up and do special tests to detect them. I hope that all women can take smart steps to stay healthy and prevent cancer in our community.
“To the men, please support women to have an examination and undergo a pap smear test because the facilities provided by our government, especially the Ministry of Health, are available.
“Use the facilities provided to get an examination at the clinics near our area,” she said.
The one-day programme was jointly organised by public health nurse trainees for the March 2023 intake, Likas Health Clinic, Luyang Health Clinic, KKIA Pekan and Likas Health Clinic Advisory Panel.
Among the activities throughout the programme were a 10,000 step walk, health screening test, HPV DNA screening, breast screening, dental screening, blood donation programme, lucky ticket draw, colouring competition for children and a health exhibition as well as health talks.