In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among women. 

• Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common in the productive aged of 15 -44 
• 3 out of 4 women in Malaysia with cervical cancer are below the age of 65. 
• 99% of cervical cancer are caused by high risk HPV types. 

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. There is no symptoms when one is infected by HPV, yet some types of HPV may cause cervical cancer if it is not cleared from the body.

There are 14 HPV types that causes 99 % of cervical cancer.

Having high-risk HPV does not mean that you will get cancer! For most women, high-risk HPV infection is cleared before it causes any problems. But sometimes the infection persists for a long time and abnormal cells may develop in the cervix. It takes 10-15 years for a persistent infection to progress to cancer, a very slow process. So early detection and treatment of any abnormal cells can prevent cervical cancer.

Early stages of cervical cancer may not have any signs and symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause. 
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor. 
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. 

If you are having these signs and symptoms, immediately make an appointment with your gynaecologist for further assessment.