#HEALTH: Screen for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer often begins subtly with symptoms like vaginal bleeding, discharge and pain that are sometimes dismissed as menstrual issues. It is now the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the third most common in Malaysia, with over half of cases affecting women aged 40 to 59. Most cases are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), but six in ten Malaysian women have not had a pap smear in the past three years, highlighting missed opportunities for early detection.

HPV is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, and can cause silent cellular changes that may lead to cancer if not detected early. Many women mistakenly believe cervical cancer only affects older or married women, but HPV can be contracted during the first sexual encounter, even with a single partner.

Symptoms such as abnormal bleeding after intercourse, persistent discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding after sex should prompt a doctor's visit. Health experts urge women to not wait, especially if symptoms persist across one or two cycles. While period-tracking apps and smartwatches can help monitor menstrual cycles and general health, they should not replace professional medical screening, as these apps cannot diagnose medical conditions.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer and is offered free to 13-year-old girls in Malaysia, but uptake among older teens and adults is inconsistent. Early detection not only saves lives but can also preserve fertility, as late-stage diagnosis often requires chemotherapy, radiation, or major surgeries with long-term health effects.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening, HPV vaccination, and prompt attention to symptoms. Women should not ignore their bodies, as most cases of abnormal bleeding are not cancer, but the only way to know for sure is to get checked.