EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT HPV-RELATED CANCERS
CERVICAL CANCER
The cervix is the lower section of the uterus in women. It opens up into the birth canal (vagina).
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix.
Cervical cancer is the 3rd most cancer among Malaysian women.
About 95% of cervical cancers cases are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV). By getting the HPV vaccine, we can protect women against cervical cancer.
SYMPTOMS
Early stage cervical cancer generally has no signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms of more advanced cervical cancer include:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed here or if you have any signs or symptoms that concern you.
Irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding – after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
Watery and bloody discharge with foul smell
Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
PREVENTION
When timely screening is performed, cervical cancer is highly preventable.
When detected early, cervical cancer is curable.
Before cervical cancer develops, abnormal cellular changes occur in the cervix. The abnormal changes are known as cervical precancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Successful treatment of CIN eliminates the risk of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening with Pap smear and HPV tests. Additionally, HPV vaccination can reduce a woman's risk of cervical cancer.
Screening test
All women aged between 21 and 65 years who have ever been sexually active are recommended to undergo regular screening (Pap smear or HPV test). Cervical cancer screening can be done every 3 to 5 years, as advised by your doctor.
During the Pap smear or HPV test, a sample of cells is obtained during a vaginal examination. It is a quick, simple, and painless test.
HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination is a safe and effective method of reducing your risk against HPV-related infections and cancers. As with other vaccines, HPV vaccine triggers the body’s immune response to produce antibodies against HPV.
CAUSE & RISK
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common cause or risk factor for cervical cancer. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:
Sexual intercourse at an early age (before 20 years old)
Having many sexual partners
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS
Medical conditions or treatments that affect the immune system, e.g. autoimmune disease, taking long-term steroids or immunosuppressant drugs
Past diagnosis of pre-cancerous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Smoking
HPV VACCINATION
To learn more about HPV and Cancer, kindly click on the banner provided below to access our informational brochure.
To learn more about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, please click and watch videos available in English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil provided below.
