Bojonegoro, Indonesia – The Bojonegoro Regency Government is bolstering preventative healthcare measures for women with a public education campaign focused on early detection of cervical cancer using the modern HPV DNA test. The initiative, launched through an interactive dialogue program titled “SAPA! (Selamat Pagi Bojonegoro)” on Radio Malowopati FM, aims to increase awareness and uptake of this more accurate screening method.
The talkshow, broadcast on February 20, 2026, featured Dr. Lucky Imroah, Head of Public Health at the Bojonegoro Regency Health Office and Dr. Erni Yuni Ambarningsih, a physician at the Wisma Indah Bojonegoro Community Health Center. Hosted by radio personality Lia Yunita, the program addressed the continued high incidence of cervical cancer as a leading cause of mortality among women, while emphasizing its preventability through early detection.
Dr. Imroah stressed the importance of a proactive approach to women’s health, urging women not to delay seeking medical attention until symptoms become severe or the disease reaches an advanced stage. “Early detection is key,” he stated. “With appropriate screening, People can prevent greater risks.”
The HPV DNA test, according to Dr. Imroah, detects the presence of DNA from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. This method is considered more sensitive than conventional techniques like IVA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) or Pap smears, allowing for the identification of high-risk HPV infections even before cellular changes indicative of cancer develop. The test involves a sample taken from the cervix, which is then analyzed in a laboratory.
Dr. Ambarningsih highlighted the safety, speed, and increased accuracy of the HPV DNA test, adding that its precision allows for longer intervals between screenings. She also noted the test’s ability to help healthcare professionals determine the most appropriate preventative or treatment measures. She specifically encouraged women aged 30 and above to undergo regular screenings, emphasizing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
The Bojonegoro Regency Government, through the Communications and Informatics Office and the Health Office, intends to leverage the reach of radio broadcasts to disseminate health information widely and foster a culture of preventative healthcare. The campaign aims to empower women to prioritize their reproductive health and seek regular check-ups.