SIBU: The Health Carnival programme held in Kampung Bandong here has been hailed as a proactive initiative in raising awareness on cervical cancer, a silent but deadly threat to women’s health.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, the programme, which focuses on women aged between 30 and 65, has benefitted women in Kampung Bandong and its surrounding areas through health education and screening initiatives.
“This effort not only helps save lives, but also empowers women with the confidence to take charge of their own health.
“Therefore, it is hoped that through this initiative, more women will be encouraged to undergo Pap smear and HPV testing.
“It is also vital for men – especially husbands – to play their role by supporting their wives to take these tests. It is my wish to see this programme achieve its objectives,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read out by Pemanca Sharifah Ainie Alwie during the programme’s opening ceremony held at Dewan Takraw, Kampung Bandong, yesterday.
The programme was jointly organised by Klinik Kesihatan Jalan Oya, Lincoln University, the Nangka Constituency Service Centre, and the Nangka Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
Dr Annuar, who is also the Nangka assemblyman, stressed that health education and early screening such as Pap smears are crucial in preventing and detecting cervical cancer in its early stages.
“Global statistics show that every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer somewhere in the world.
“The good news is – this cancer is both preventable and treatable if caught early,” he said.
He added that it is vital for women to undergo Pap smear tests, as cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths reported in 2022.
“In Malaysia, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among women.
“Primary prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screening such as Pap smears is a proven strategy to reduce the burden of this disease,” he added.
