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Cervical Cancer Prevention Program

PAP SMEAR AND HPV VACCINATION

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women after breast cancer, and Pap smear is currently the single most reliable and prevalent screening tool. It is a simple and fast procedure, which could be done effortlessly in the clinic. If preferred, it can be performed by a female nurse.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancers and also certain genital warts infections. A vaccine called Gardasil 9 has been developed to protect against nine HPV types, which cause around 90% of cervical cancers in women (and the majority of other HPV-related cancers in women), 95% of all HPV-related cancers in men, and 90% of genital warts. HPV-related cancers include almost all cancers of the cervix, and a proportion of cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and throat.

For people aged 14 and under, the HPV vaccine is administered in two separate sessions via injections to the upper arm. The vaccine works best if the second injection is given 6–12 months after the first. As for people aged 15 or above, or those who did not receive the injections at least six months apart, three injections are required. Ideally, the 3 doses should be given at 0, 2 and 6 months (the 2nd dose should be given two months after the 1st and the 3rd dose four months after the 2nd).

Frequently Asked Questions

Cervical cancer in Malaysia

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among Malaysian women and ranks the second most frequent cancer affecting women between the ages of 15 and 44.8 Every year, about 1,740 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 991 succumb to the disease.8

What causes cervical cancer?

When a high-risk HPV infection such as HPV 16 or 18 doesn’t resolve on its own, the infected cells will continue to grow and if left untreated, may develop into cervical cancer – this can take 10 to 20 years or sometimes even longer.4

Exposure to HPV can happen through intimate skin-to-skin contact with an individual infected with HPV – intercourse isn’t necessary, but it is the most common way of contracting the virus.9

Most HPV infections have no symptoms and clear naturally within 12-24 months.2 However, at least 1 in 10 infections with high-risk HPV types may persist and become chronic.2 Even if a person has only engaged in sexual activity once or has had sex with only one person, they may still contract the virus, and unknowingly pass it on.9

What are the symptoms?

Precancerous changes in cervical cells often show no symptoms until the cancer grows and invades nearby tissues.10 When this happens, the most common symptoms include:

  • Bleeding between or following menstrual periods10
  • Bleeding during or after sexual intercourse10
  • Bleeding after menopause10
  • Unusual vaginal discharge (changes in texture, colour or smell)10,11
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse10
  • Pain in the lower abdomen10
  • Unexplained change in menstrual cycle10

These symptoms are common and may be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer, but it is advisable to get it checked by a doctor.

Get Vaccinated can lower my chances of getting cervical cancer?

Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. It is recommended for both males and females.

  • In females, the HPV vaccine helps to prevent cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. It also protects against cancer of the anus, mouth and throat.
  • In males, the HPV vaccine helps to prevent cancer of the penis, anus, mouth and throat.