KUCHING, March 14: The rate of cervical cancer cases in Sarawak is 12.1 per 100,000 people, making the region’s rate the highest in Malaysia.
“Sarawak has the highest incidence of cervical cancer at 12.1 cases per 100,000 population, higher than the national average.
“If it is detected early, there is a high chance of survival as the survival rate is high. The average rate of cervical cancer prevention is also 93 per cent; therefore, the government focuses on giving vaccinations to prevent it,” she said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
She said this in a press conference after receiving a courtesy visit from a Pink & Teal EmpowHer delegation at her office in Baitul Makmur II here yesterday (March 13).
Fatimah added that the target group is female students aged 15 and above who need at least three doses of vaccination.
Among the things that need to be done in relation to cervical cancer are the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test and the HPV vaccine injection, which can be obtained at the Nur Sejahtera Kuching Clinic (LPPKN) free of charge for the B40 group.
During the courtesy visit, a re-launch ceremony was also held for the Sarawak Urban and Rural Action for Cervical Cancer Prevention (Suara) programme, which is a cervical cancer awareness programme that will hold a fundraising run event, ‘Tutu Run and High Heel Dash’ on May 14 at Saradise Edge. — DayakDaily
