LETTER | More awareness needed on cervical cancer screening

LETTER | We hope that this article informs the public regarding a highly preventable non-communicable disease (NCD) namely, cervical cancer which is the third commonest cancer among women in Malaysia as well as emphasise the importance of early screening tests among women. 

Is it the fear or embarrassment of cervical screening? Is it the inconvenience of having to do a cervical smear? You feel healthy and fine? Are you aware of the need for cervical screening?

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), the percentage of women who underwent cervical screening has increased from 26% in 1996 to 43.7% in 2006. However, as of 2011, this percentage has dropped to 12.8% (2)!

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates that interventions such as HPV vaccination, cervical screening and proper treatment are imperative for the elimination of cervical cancer. The 90-70-90 target outlined by WHO states that each country should target HPV vaccination in 90% of girls by 15 years old, screening in 70% of women by 35 years old and again at age 45, as well as treatment of 90% of women identified with cervical disease by 2030.

Hence, this article has been written to provide concise information about cervical screening in Malaysia, with emphasis on tests involved and where to access them.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease where cells of the cervix grow uncontrollably. The cervix connects the birth canal to the womb as illustrated above.

In Malaysia, cervical cancer is among the top 10 cancers and ranked third commonest cancer among Malaysian females. Notably, the lifetime risk of acquiring cervical cancer is 1 in 144 and is greatest among the Chinese population.

How is cervical cancer preventable? Almost all cases of cervical cancers are caused by a sexually acquired virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Particularly, the high risk types 16 and 18. That said, HPV infections are extremely common and many of the other HPV types do not lead to cervical cancer. 90% of HPV infections are cleared by our immune system within 2 years.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can result in precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix. There are some other factors associated with increased risk of persistent infection. Namely, high-risk types of HPV (types 16 and 18), weakened immune system (HIV, transplant patients and immunosuppressants), smoking, coinfections, number of babies born and young age at first birth. However, the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is not having had cervical screening.

Typically, it takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in a woman with a normal immune system. This allows time for early lesions to be detected through screening. Imperatively, early lesions and HPV infections detected are often treatable. In other words, cervical screening allows for early detection and treatment to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Currently, the screening tests utilised in Malaysia are mainly pap smear or/and HPV test.

A negative result would warrant routine screenings according to the schedule given. A positive result would require further confirmatory testing and referral for appropriate treatment if necessary.

How can we play our part? In conjunction with WHO’s Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer, all countries must reach an incidence rate of less than 4 cases per 100,000 women. As previously mentioned, every country must reach this 90-70-90 global goal by 2030.

This involves the collective efforts from various stakeholders. Medical students and organisations can raise awareness regarding cervical cancer by building knowledge around the disease, key prevention methods and early detection services.

Nonetheless, the road to the successful elimination of cervical cancer starts with women themselves. It is absolutely crucial for women of Malaysia to take matters into your own hands. Empower yourselves and others to prioritise your wellbeing. Together, no woman should die from cervical cancer.

While many turn to doctors for screening and treatment, the difficulty is in taking the first step.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.