700km cycling event raises funds for cervical cancer screening

In an effort to combat the alarming rates of cervical cancer in Sarawak, a group of dedicated cyclists has embarked on a six-day journey covering 700km from Kuching to Bintulu. The cyclists aim to raise funds for cervical cancer screening programs targeting marginalized women in the region. The Sepeda Amal Borneo 2023 charity cycling event, organized by the Malaysian Medical Association in support of the Rose Foundation, commenced on July 15 and will conclude on July 20.

Cervical cancer poses a significant health risk to women worldwide, with statistics revealing that a woman dies from this disease every two minutes. Regrettably, it is the third most common cancer among Malaysian women, and Sarawak bears the unfortunate distinction of having the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the country. Worryingly, 75% of Malaysian women diagnosed with cervical cancer are below the age of 65.

ROSE Foundation’s innovative approach

The Rose Foundation’s “Removing Obstacles to cervical ScrEening” (ROSE) Program is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to cervical screening, making it accessible and acceptable to women. The program empowers women to perform their own cervical screening using a painless and easy-to-use self-swab, eliminating the need for pelvic examinations by healthcare professionals. The self-swabs are then sent to the Rose Laboratory for HPV PCR testing, and the results are promptly delivered to the women via SMS or WhatsApp. In cases of positive test results, women are connected with specialized gynecologists for further follow-up and care.

The impact of this approach is significant, as it not only saves lives but also spares women and their families from the suffering and financial hardships associated with cervical cancer. By empowering women to conduct their own tests, the Rose Program provides a simple, painless, and highly accurate method of cervical screening that takes less than five minutes to complete.

Extending care to marginalized women

The Sepeda Amal Borneo 2023 charity cycling event aims to raise funds to extend the reach of the ROSE Foundation to marginalized women in Sarawak and Sabah. By supporting this cause, individuals can contribute to the provision of care and resources needed to overcome the challenges of cervical cancer. Early detection through easily accessible testing is crucial for effective treatment and ultimately saving lives.

The fundraising efforts will also help the Rose Foundation organize cervical cancer screening programs in remote areas, ensuring that no woman is left behind due to lack of access. Transportation services will be provided to women in rural communities to ensure they receive the necessary care. The goal is to screen 500 marginalized women and provide laboratory testing and specialist referrals for those who test positive.

Spreading awareness and saving lives

Additionally, educational programs will be conducted to raise awareness about the importance of regular HPV screenings and encourage women to prioritize their health. Malaysia has demonstrated a strong commitment to cervical cancer elimination over the past five years through the adoption of highly sensitive Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA testing utilizing self-sampling. The Rose Program has already screened over 23,000 women throughout Malaysia, thanks to philanthropic donations and support from Etiqa.

Through the Sepeda Amal Borneo fundraiser, in collaboration with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Rose Foundation aims to expand screening efforts to benefit more women in Sarawak. The cyclists’ journey from Kuching to Bintulu and Miri, as well as their outreach to rural communities in Belaga, will contribute significantly to this cause.

By supporting the Sepeda Amal Borneo 2023 charity cycling event, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized women in Sarawak, providing them with the care, resources, and awareness they need to overcome the challenges of cervical cancer. Together, we can strive toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to women’s health and well-being in Malaysia.

For more information please visit mma.org.my/sepeda-amal-borneo-2023/