Why Cervical Cancer Screening Matters
Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, often without any symptoms in the early stages. Screening helps detect high-risk HPV infections and early cell changes before they become cancer.
Regular cervical cancer screening can:
- Detect high-risk HPV infections early
- Identify precancerous changes in cervical cells
- Allow early treatment and follow-up care
- Help prevent cervical cancer from developing
Screening saves lives because problems can be detected before symptoms appear.
What Is the HPV DNA Test?
The HPV DNA Test is a screening test that detects high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. It is considered the gold standard for cervical cancer screening and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). With the ROSE HPV DNA Test, women can collect their own sample through simple self-sampling, making screening more comfortable and convenient. – why are we moving away from pap smear?
What are the differences between HPV DNA test and Pap Smear?
HPV DNA test | Pap Smear |
|---|---|
Checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus that can lead to cervical cancer. | Looks for abnormal or pre-cancerous cells on the cervix. |
Early detection – Can detect risk before any cell changes happen. | Late detection – Detects changes after the virus has started affecting the cells. |
Offered as a self-sampling test with Program ROSE – no doctor’s exam needed. | Must be done by a healthcare provider using a speculum to collect samples. |
More sensitive in detecting the risk of cervical cancer. Test sensitivity at 90%. | Less sensitive in detecting the risk of cervical cancer. Test sensitivity at 50%. |
Recommendation every 5-10 years if results are normal. | Usually recommended every 1-3 years, depending on your health history. |
At least 2 tests only in a lifetime, costing only RM600. * For self-paying women, the screening should be repeated every 5-10 years. | 15 tests needed in a lifetime, estimated total cost of RM3,600. |
Inside the Kit: What the HPV Swab Looks Like
How can I get screened with ROSE?
You can get screened through our signature programme, Program ROSE, which provides HPV DNA screening for women from underprivileged and underscreened communities (B40), subject to eligibility and terms and conditions. Screenings are carried out through community outreach programmes across Malaysia, bringing cervical cancer screening closer to the women who need it most. You can check the latest screening locations and upcoming outreach activities on our social media pages.
If you prefer, you may also access the ROSE HPV DNA Test through our paid screening option. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many women believe screening is only necessary when symptoms appear. However, HPV infections usually do not cause symptoms, and cervical cancer can develop silently overtime. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be more advanced. Screening allows healthcare providers to detect and manage HPV infections early, helping prevent cervical cancer before it develops.
Yes. There are over 200 types of HPV, and around 12 – 14 are considered high-risk for causing cancers such as cervical, anal, and throat cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but it does not cover all HPV types, so it’s still possible to get HPV from strains not included in the vaccine.
Yes, men can get HPV, and certain strains can lead to cancers such as anal, penile, andthroat cancers, as well as genital warts. There isn’t a routine, validated HPV DNA test for men like there is for women.
Yes, the test is still valid. A small amount of blood on the swab can occur and is generally not a cause for concern. Please rest assured that this does not affect the accuracy of your test results.
If the swab is accidentally dropped or the tip is touched, please inform a ROSE staff or assigned personnel immediately. A replacement swab will be provided to ensure the accuracy and safety of your test.
The self-sampling process usually takes just a few minutes. The overall visit, including registration and instructions, may take about 15–30 minutes.
No, the self-sampling test is designed to be simple and minimally uncomfortable. Most participants report little to no pain during the procedure.
It is recommended to avoid taking the test if you are having heavy menstruation, as blood may interfere with the sample. Please choose a time when you are not menstruating or when you’re at the end of your menstruation.
