Lifestyle
'It's heartrending because this can be prevented': Doctors on why cervical cancer is still a top killer in Singapore
SINGAPORE — Mas Azura Abdul Rahman, 32, works as a clinic manager for a gynaecologist. The trained nurse knows the importance of screening for cervical cancer, which is done through regular pap smears or testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV). S
Still, the married mum of three children aged five to 13 has been hesitant to go for regular pap smears, citing discomfort and embarrassment over the test.
In early 2022, she was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition and had to have the affected cells of the cervix removed.
Subsequent testing has shown that she is out of danger, and she is now looking forward to her pap smear later in 2024 to reinforce her clean bill of health.
Her advice to other women now is to prioritise routine testing for cervical cancer. "Don't be scared, don't be stubborn," says Azura.
Cervical cancer is preventable and easily screened for, doctors say, yet it remains one of the most common cancers in women in Singapore.
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