Malaysia Launches Campaign to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Nationwide Initiative Aims to Boost Screening Rates and Save Lives

A new nationwide effort is underway in Malaysia to dramatically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, a disease that remains a significant health threat to women despite being largely preventable. The campaign focuses on increasing awareness, improving access to screening, and breaking down the stigmas that prevent many from seeking early detection.

New Approach to Early Detection

Heng Chai Yin, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Malaysia, recently spearheaded the launch of National Women’s Checkup Week (NWCW) 2025 at Hilton Petaling Jaya. The event brought together medical professionals, advocates, and community members to emphasize the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings.

A key component of this year’s campaign is the introduction of HPV self-sampling kits. This innovative approach allows women to collect samples privately, at home, or in a clinical setting, offering greater convenience and control over their health.

“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early.”

—Heng Chai Yin, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Malaysia

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. WHO data from 2024 highlights the global disparity in access to prevention and treatment.

Addressing Barriers to Screening

Many women in Malaysia are diagnosed with cervical cancer at advanced stages, often due to a lack of awareness, societal stigma, and limited access to healthcare. Dr. Teo Ik Hui, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, emphasized that early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Dr. Beatrice Jee, a family medicine specialist with the Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association, highlighted the role of primary care clinics in normalizing conversations about cervical health. Integrating screening into routine visits can help make HPV vaccination and cancer detection standard practice.

The campaign’s theme, #ShowUpForHerHealth, encourages all Malaysians – women, men, families, employers, and policymakers – to actively support women’s health and contribute to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

Community-Based Initiatives Expand Access

Organizations like the ROSE Foundation are working to overcome barriers to screening, particularly for women in underserved communities. Dr. Khoo Su Pei, programme director at ROSE Foundation, explained that self-sampling kits can be especially beneficial for women in rural areas or those uncomfortable with traditional Pap Smears.

“By offering women a private, accessible alternative to traditional screening, we empower them to take that first critical step toward protecting their health. It’s about bringing screening closer to where women are — physically, emotionally, and culturally.”

—Dr. Khoo Su Pei, Programme Director at ROSE Foundation

Roche Diagnostics Malaysia is collaborating with numerous clinics and hospitals – including Alpro Clinics, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Pantai Hospital Ampang – to expand the campaign’s reach through workplace screening programs and educational initiatives.

FWD has contributed RM30,000 to support the ROSE Foundation’s Program ROSE, which focuses on education and self-sampling HPV screening for women in need.

Women across Malaysia are encouraged to visit the NWCW website for more information about HPV and cervical cancer, and to find resources to support their loved ones.