Cervical cancer remains the sixth most common cancer among women in Malaysia, claiming hundreds of lives annually despite being largely preventable through vaccination and early screening. To address this critical public health issue, Roche Diagnostics Malaysia has launched National Women’s Checkup Week (NWCW) 2025, a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging widespread cervical cancer screening.
The launch event at Hilton Petaling Jaya united medical experts, community advocates, and Malaysians to promote the importance of early detection. Many women remain unaware that Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, can be detected early through routine screenings, which significantly improve treatment outcomes.
This year’s campaign theme, #ShowUpForHerHealth, calls on all Malaysians—women, men, families, employers, and policymakers—to support women in getting screened and to help eliminate cervical cancer. Heng Chai Yin, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Malaysia, emphasized the mission to ensure no woman is left behind regardless of socioeconomic status.
A key innovation introduced this year is the availability of HPV self-sampling kits, allowing women to collect samples privately at home or in clinical settings. This method addresses barriers such as embarrassment, time constraints, and limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly benefiting women in rural or underserved areas.
Healthcare professionals stress that early detection and supportive care environments are essential. Dr. Teo Ik Hui, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, highlighted that self-sampling could break down barriers to timely screening. Dr. Beatrice Jee, family medicine specialist, pointed out the importance of integrating cervical health education into primary care visits to normalize preventive measures in line with Malaysia’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Community organizations like the ROSE Foundation, which focuses on removing obstacles to cervical screening, play a vital role in expanding access and education. Roche Diagnostics Malaysia collaborates with numerous healthcare providers and partners to extend the campaign’s reach through workplace screenings, awareness programs, and increased accessibility.
In support of the initiative, FWD contributed RM30,000 to the ROSE Foundation’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Men are also encouraged to support the campaign by promoting open conversations about women’s health and encouraging their loved ones to get screened.
Women across Malaysia are urged to visit the National Women’s Checkup Week website to learn more about HPV, cervical cancer, and access resources to protect their health.
