Cervical cancer rate in Sarawak is twice the national average, says Rose Foundation as it urges early screening efforts

KUCHING, June 15 — The incidence rate of cervical cancer in Sarawak is significantly higher than the national average, standing at 12.1 per 100,000 women, according to Rose Foundation programme director Dr Khoo Su Pei.

Speaking during the 'Free HPV PCR Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening' programme held at Crown Square yesterday, Dr Khoo highlighted that this rate is more than twice the national average of six per 100,000 women, making Sarawak a key focus area for the foundation’s outreach initiatives.

“Sabah and Sarawak have the highest cervical cancer rates in Malaysia. In Sarawak, it's 12.1 per 100,000 women, nearly double the national figure. That’s why we’re intensifying efforts here,” she told reporters.

The Rose Foundation, which now has a Sarawak branch, is targeting 200 underprivileged women for this screening round, with 150 already pre-registered as of June 13. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to eliminate cervical cancer.

Citing local modelling data, Dr Khoo said the disease can be eliminated if the incidence rate falls below four per 100,000 women. “If we hit the 2030 targets for vaccination and screening, Malaysia could eliminate cervical cancer between 2055 and 2065,” she explained.

However, she acknowledged that awareness remains a major barrier. “Many women either don’t know they need cervical screening or avoid it out of fear. But this HPV test is self-collected, simple, and takes only 10 minutes,” she said.

The screening programme is a joint initiative between the Rose Foundation — a non-profit based in Kuala Lumpur — and the Che Hui Khor Moral Uplifting Society. The HPV test kits are sponsored by Etiqa Cares as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with logistics and outreach coordinated by local community partners.

Dr Khoo added that those who missed the event could still undergo the test at government health clinics or facilities under the National Population and Family Development Board.

Next week, the Rose Foundation team will visit Sri Aman Hospital, Simunjan Hospital, Sarawak Heart Centre, and Sarawak General Hospital to continue their screening efforts.

“We work closely with government hospitals like Sarawak General Hospital to arrange referrals and follow-ups for women tested through our programme,” she said.

The event was officiated by political secretary to the Premier Kho Teck Wan, representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. In her speech, Kho highlighted a proposal by Dr Sim to repurpose PCR machines previously used for Covid-19 testing to now detect HPV — a strategic move toward sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

She praised the Rose Foundation and its medical partners for their impactful work and stressed the urgency of early detection.

“I encourage all women here to take the HPV test and also ensure their children are vaccinated. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable,” she said.

Kho also shared a KUCHING, June 15 — The incidence rate of cervical cancer in Sarawak is significantly higher than the national average, standing at 12.1 per 100,000 women, according to Rose Foundation programme director Dr Khoo Su Pei.

‍

Kho also shared a heartbreaking story of a man whose wife was diagnosed with cervical cancer too late to be treated. “She was only 32 and had just three months to live. That’s why early screening is critical. Please encourage your friends and especially the younger generation to get vaccinated and screened,” she urged. — The Borneo Post