Medically reviewed by: Dr. Alice Hew Chee Yen | Written by: Celine Woon

How common is cervical cancer in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, the age-standardised cervical cancer rate is 6.2 per 100,000 females (2012- 2016), making it the 3rd most common cancer in women, with 3,981 new cases reported for year 2012-2016 (Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia).

Therefore, the Ministry of Health Malaysia advises all women aged 20 to 65 who are or have been sexually active to undergo pap smear screening. If the results of two consecutive annual tests are negative, screenings can then be conducted every three years. 

Are there any visible signs of cervical cancer?  

It is vital to recognise symptoms and seek medical advice. You should seek a healthcare professional when you notice:

• Abnormal and excessive vaginal bleeding between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis

• Weight loss and loss of appetite

• Swelling in the legs

What are the screening tests for cervical cancer?

1. Pap Smear (The Papanicolaou test)

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells. A Pap smear helps detect cervical cancer cells at an early stage, allowing treatment to begin before the disease spreads and becomes more serious.

• Age to get screened with Pap smear: From 21 to 29 years old
• For those eligible for pap smear, a test is done every 3 years.

2. HPV test (Human Papillomavirus test)

The HPV test looks for signs of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer. If you received an abnormal Pap smear result, you may need an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer. This test can determine whether HPV is responsible for the changes in your cervical cells.

HPV is a virus that can lead to warts and significantly raises the risk of cervical cancer. Among its many strains, HPV types 16 and 18 are the most commonly linked to cervical cancer. Having HPV increases the likelihood of developing this disease.

• Age to get screened with HPV test: From 30 to 65 years old and above
• For those eligible for HPV test, a test is done every 5 years.

But do I need a pap smear or HPV test if I am not sexually active?

Anyone with a cervix in this age group should undergo screening, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Screening is important even if you are not currently sexually active or have never engaged in vaginal intercourse. The HPV virus can still be transmitted through other forms of sexual contact, even without intercourse and it can remain inactive in the body for years before reactivating unexpectedly.

Does a pap smear or HPV test hurt?

They are generally not painful, though it might cause some discomfort. You may notice slight bleeding afterward, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain or cramping. If you experience prolonged discomfort or if the bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, please see your doctor immediately.

How are the screening tests done?

• A doctor or nurse will carefully insert a smooth, tube-shaped instrument called a speculum into your vagina, sometimes with a small amount of lubricant for comfort.
• Once in place, the speculum is gently opened to provide a clear view of the cervix.
• A soft brush is then used to collect a small sample of cells from the cervix for testing. After the sample is taken, the speculum is closed and removed, and you’ll be given time to get dressed.
• The cervical screening test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes.

Reminder: You are in control of your cervical screening test. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can ask the nurse to stop.

Are you concerned about the risk factors of cervical cancer?

You may book an appointment with any of the hospitals or clinics in Malaysia to have your pap smear test done.

Need help to find your healthcare provider? View the list of MHTC’s member hospitals in Malaysia here

Here at Malaysia Healthcare, we prioritise a patient's entire being, not just their physical symptoms or diagnosis, but taking into account their mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual well-being. This ensures their needs are met holistically with personalised care that supports every aspect of their healing and recovery journey.

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References: 

Cancer Research UK 

John Hopkins Medicine 

Mayo Clinic 

Ministry of Health Malaysia 

Medical News Today