RM5.5 Mln For Cervical Cancer Screening, 32,000 Women Targeted

TAPAH, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has been allocated RM5.5 million by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) to implement cervical cancer screening using the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test this year.

LPPKN chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the programme aims to screen 32,000 women as part of early detection efforts to enable timely preventive and treatment measures.

“I urge women to set aside embarrassment and fear and not delay undergoing the HPV DNA test, as early detection of cervical cancer significantly improves the chances of recovery,” she said.

Rohani was speaking to reporters after officiating the Perak state-level Cervical Cancer Awareness Month programme at the General Operations Force Battalion 3 headquarters in Bidor, near here, today.

She said LPPKN has appointed Ethnic Ambassadors from various communities, including the Orang Asli, to promote awareness of cervical cancer screening and encourage greater participation.

“These ambassadors are trained with comprehensive information on screening procedures and specimen collection, enabling them to clearly explain the process to target groups in their respective dialects, including among the Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli communities,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rohani said a total of 198,001 women underwent HPV DNA screening from 2019 until last year, with 15,315 testing positive for HPV.

“Of that number, 210 women were diagnosed with precancerous conditions, while 24 were confirmed to have cervical cancer,” she said.

-- BERNAMA