HPV PREVENTION

Getting infected with HPV is more common than you might think1. Even if you’ve only engaged in sexual activity once, or with the same partner over a long period, there is still a chance you could have the virus as cervical cancer, a cancer caused by HPV, can develop between 5 and up to 20 years later10,17. In most cases, HPV can clear on its own and does not cause any health problems2. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and HPV-related cancers2.

The good news is, there are various ways you can protect yourself against HPV:

Vaccination

When was the last time you talked to your doctor about the HPV vaccine? Whether you are male or female, getting vaccinated can help protect you and your loved ones from serious HPV-related diseases like cervical cancer and other less common HPV-related cancers like cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva2.

To alleviate the cost of medical treatment and to encourage more Malaysians to be vaccinated, Malaysia’s Budget 2021 has provided a tax relief of up to RM1,000 for medical treatment expenses which includes the HPV vaccination for yourself, your spouse or your child.

If you or your loved ones have not been vaccinated, you should talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine today.

Regular Pap Smears

A simple Pap smear once every year or every three years17,34, depending on your doctor’s recommendation, can easily help you avoid devastating HPV-related cervical diseases.

HPV DNA Testing

A HPV DNA test can be conducted for high-risk HPV types that are most likely to cause cervical cancer by looking for pieces of DNA in cervical cells29. This test can be done together with a Pap smear or by itself.

HPV-RELATED CANCERS

Some people find out they have HPV when genital warts appear, others when they are diagnosed with more serious conditions like cervical cancer in women, and other less common cancers – like cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva2.

HPV causes approximately 99% of all cervical cancer cases3,4. In 2018, cervical cancer was the second most common cancer among Malaysian women between the ages of 15-4421.

LEARN MORE

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

It can be hard to know what to say. Here are some helpful questions you can take to your next appointment.

QUESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED

Make an appointment

Find a clinic closest to you and set up an appointment to speak with your doctor about vaccination and screening for women.

FIND YOUR NEAREST CLINIC

MY-GSL-00233 Jan/2021, MY-GSL-00274 May/2021