Miri: Women can undergo a free pap smear test at any Nur Sejahtera Clinic and LPPKN Subfertility Clinic nearest to them until November 30.

This is an initiative by the National Population Family Development Board (LPPKN) known as the Touch Point Wellbeing of Women (WOW) Project: Free Pap Smear Screening throughout Malaysia.

The main purpose of the pap smear test is for early detection of cervical cancer, which is the third most common cancer in women.

This programme also increases awareness among women on the importance of pap smear tests, especially in women experiencing pre-cancerous symptoms.

The target groups for this programme include married and unmarried women who are Malaysian citizens or permanent residents.

With the advancement of technology, more women with early stage cervical cancer can still be effectively treated with a higher chance of survival.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006, only 47.3% of women undergo pap smear testing.

The Health Ministry reported as many as 2,000 to 3,000 hospital admissions for cervical cancer every year.

The test is provided at LPPKN Nur Sejahtera Clinics in Kuching and Miri.

Source : The Star