LifeCare Diagnostic Medical Centre

3 January, 2023

Cervical Cancer in Malaysians

Malaysia has a population of approximately 11.55 millions of women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.

Additionally, investigative detections by National Library of Medicine has evidently concluded that at least 15 high risks HPV genotypes contributes to the cause of cervical cancer and 6 low risks genotypes are most likely to cause warts around the body.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

- Engaged with more than one sexual partners
- Having sex at an early age
- Through sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- A weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Exposure to miscarriage prevention drugs

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

- Engaged with more than one sexual partners
- Having sex at an early age
- Through sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- A weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Exposure to miscarriage prevention drugs

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sexually transmitted HPV types fall into two genotype groups, low and high risks. Low-risk HPVs do not cause diseases. However, a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk HPVs are highly the cause of cervical cancers. Additionally, there are about 14 high-risk HPV types – in which two of these, HPV16 and HPV18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers in at least 70% of women in Malaysia. 

Early Detection, Protection and Prevention

The reversible effect of HPV is hopeful, giving Malaysian women the freedom to seek early detection, protection and prevention. With this, LifeCare has introduced 3 main ways to protect and prevent Cervical cancer through Pap smear, HPV DNA Genotyping as well as Gardasil-9 Vaccination. These options are open to women who want to protect themselves based on their lifestyle choices.

Types of Screening and Vaccine

Pap Smear

Pap smear (or Pap test) is a cytological screening for cervical cancer. It involves collecting cells from the cervix in the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Pap smears are recommended for women who are or have been sexually active, or who are 21 years of age and above. It is typically recommended that women get a Pap smear every 2 years, depending on their age, risk factors and previous diagnosis.

HPV DNA Genotyping

HPV DNA genotyping is a laboratory test that is used to identify the specific types of HPV present in a sample of cells or tissue, mainly to identify high-risk HPV genotypes, which are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

Gardasil-9 Vaccination

3 doses of Gardasil-9 vaccines are used to prevent four types of HPV, such as HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18.  prevent 2 types of low risk and 7 types of high risk – sub-types of HPVs.

The vaccine is typically given to adolescents and young adults between the ages of 9 and 26. It is most effective when given before an individual becomes sexually active, as this is when the risk of HPV infection is highest. Gardasil-9 has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of HPV infection and the development of HPV-related cancers. With that, regular health screenings are still recommended to compliment the vaccination.

Who Should be Tested and How Often?

  1. All sexually active women aged 30 to 49 years should be screened for HPV. Women less than 30 years (21-29) and 50-65 years are advised for Pap smear screening. For women who are 65 years old and above should speak to a Doctor to determine the continuation of the Pap smear test. The screening intervals will be every 2 years for those who are tested negative for HPV. 
  2. For patients with positive HPV results, further diagnostic procedures and treatment are required such as Colposcopic assessment by our Gynaecologist.

Early detection of health risks is crucial to protect you and your family against unpredictable health outcomes at every stage of life. Get your health screened today. Purchase now:

Want to speak to a Gynaecologist?

Consult with Dr Ramadas A/L Rajagovallu who provides comprehensive care for gynaecological conditions

Dr Ramadas Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist

Dr. Ramadas A/L Rajagovallu

Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist

Specialty

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Languages

English, Bahasa Malaysia

Qualification

MBBS (Manipal, India), FAGE (Manipal), MRCOG (London)

License Number

MMC No. 37576, NSR No. 131142

Medical School

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Clinic

LifeCare Diagnsotic Medical Centre, Bangsar South

Monday & Thursday: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 10:30am

Dr Ramadas Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist

Dr. Ramadas A/L Rajagovallu

Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist

Specialty

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Languages

English, Bahasa Malaysia

Qualification

MBBS (Manipal, India), FAGE (Manipal), MRCOG (London)

License Number

MMC No. 37576, NSR No. 131142

Medical School

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Clinic

LifeCare Diagnostic medical Centre, Bangsar South

Monday & Thursday: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 10:30am

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