Melaka: A total of 4,003 women in Melaka underwent free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) between 2019 and last year. State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin revealed that out of this number, 211 women tested positive for HPV, with the majority being aged 40 and above.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the LPPKN aims to screen 1,000 women this year through various initiatives, including outreach programmes by the LPPKN Mobile Family Centre. Kalsom noted that while the number of women undergoing cervical cancer screening in Melaka remains low, there is a yearly increase as awareness regarding early detection grows. She mentioned that previously, many women were hesitant to undergo screening due to phobias or a lack of awareness about symptoms.

Kalsom shared these insights after officiating the Melaka State-level Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026 celebration at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Payung, an event attended by Taboh Naning assemblyman Datuk Zulkiflee Mohd Zin. She highlighted that cervical cancer screening can now be self-administered using HPV DNA test kits provided by LPPKN, making the process simpler and painless, with results available within two weeks.

Screenings are available at state LPPKN Nur Sejahtera Clinics and through LPPKN Mobile Clinics during periodic outreach programmes. Kalsom emphasized the importance of early screening for women aged 30 and above, as they are the group most at risk for developing cervical cancer, allowing for preventive measures and treatment if necessary.

In addition, 50 women from the Orang Asli community in the village participated in HPV DNA screening during the event. Kalsom announced plans to expand the programme to other Orang Asli villages in the state to increase exposure to the test and encourage more women from these communities to undergo screening.