Empowering women through accessible HPV self-screening kits

In a significant move towards eradicating cervical cancer, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) is taking proactive steps during Cervical Cancer Awareness month this January. The medical centre is sponsoring thirty-eight Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-screening kits, valued at over RM11,000, to women in Subang Jaya, particularly those from underserved communities.

The initiative, now in its third year, is a collaborative effort between SJMC, the State Assembly of Subang Jaya, and the ROSE Foundation. The ROSE Foundation, renowned for pioneering innovative approaches to cervical screening, introduces a user-friendly self-sampling method using a simple swab. Results are communicated to participants’ mobile phones within three weeks, enhancing accessibility to early screenings for women in the community.

Bryan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of SJMC, expressed the hospital’s commitment to preventive care and quality healthcare. “With Subang Jaya being our home, we are delighted to collaborate once again with Subang Jaya State Council Assemblywoman, Yang Berhormat Michelle Ng, and ROSE Foundation on this initiative. We trust that these friendly-to-use self-screening kits will empower the women in our community to keep their health in check, as they are the backbone and pillar of strength to many families.”

A game-changer in cervical screening

During a recent mock cheque presentation, approximately 20 women from the Subang Jaya community participated in HPV screening, underscoring their commitment to health awareness. The event exemplified strong community engagement and emphasized the importance of prioritizing one’s health within the local population.

Yang Berhormat Michelle Ng, Subang Jaya Assemblywoman, expressed gratitude for SJMC’s contribution, stating, “The initiative for early cervical cancer screening is a crucial step for the well-being of women who will benefit from it. On behalf of Subang Jaya, I’m grateful to SJMC for their contribution, as their support not only increases awareness but also ensures that life-saving screenings are accessible to those in need.”

Dr Khoo Su Pei, the Director of Community Development of ROSE Foundation, highlighted the impact of corporate partnerships on their Program ROSE, which has screened over 26,000 women. “The continuous support and advocacy from corporate partners such as SJMC are indeed very valuable. It is in sync with Program ROSE’s movement to amplify and increase awareness of available, innovative methods for cervical screening to drive Malaysia towards a cervical cancer-free future.”

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women in Malaysia, with over 1,700 women diagnosed each year, and HPV being the leading cause. SJMC’s commitment to community well-being aligns with its recent certification by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Malaysia for its Oncology services. SJMC is the first private medical centre in the Asia Pacific to receive this certification, underscoring its dedication to person-centred care, regulatory standards, patient safety, and overall satisfaction.

To learn more about SJMC’s services, please visit SJMC’s official website.