20 January 2017
The second most common cancer among Malaysian women is also one of the most preventable.
Read on and share to raise awareness on this.
CERVICAL CANCER BY NUMBERS
2nd most common cancer among Malaysian women.
4th highest cancer-related deaths among women aged 15-44 years old.
70% reduction in risk of cervical cancer with early detection, screening and vaccination.
Largely preventable cancer through 3 steps: HPV vaccination, screening (PAP smear) and early detection.
Slow growing cancer: takes about 10 years for abnormal cells to develop into cancer.
CAUSES OF CERVICAL CANCER
The major cause of cervical cancer is the
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus.
Only 15 out of 100 strains of the HPV cause cancer,
with two strains contributing to 70% of all cervical cancer occurrences.
Other risk factors of cervical cancer are smoking,
taking birth control pills and having multiple sex partners.
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Visit a gynecologist if you have either one of these symptoms:
Unusual bleeding
Heavier periods
Increased vaginal discharge
Bleeding after intercourse,
douching or pelvic examination
Pain during intercourse
Bleeding after menopause
BE PROACTIVE:
PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Although the HPV vaccination protects against strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer, it does not protect against all strains. Hence, screenings and check-ups are still necessary.
Get Vaccinated:
The HPV vaccine is administered in 3 doses within 6 months and the recommended age for administration is between 13-26 years old.
Under Budget 2017, RM30 million has been allocated for women to undergo mammogram screening and HPV vaccination for free.
Get Screened:
A pap smear is a screening procedure to test for precancerous or cancerous cells. The frequency of screening differs according to each individual. AIA Vitality recommends a yearly screening.
References :
http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/MYS.pdf
https://learnmyprotection.com/cervical-cancer-the-no-2-killer-among-malaysian-woman/
http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2015/01/16/no-woman-should-die-from-cervical-cancer/
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/symptoms-and-signs
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/cervical-cancer/about/cervical-cancer-risks-and-causes
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/10/21/live-budget-2017/
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
Our fast-paced and demanding lifestyles have led to a significant increase in the number of illnesses and diseases.
