Roche Launches National Women’s Checkup Week to Fight Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer affecting women in Malaysia, claiming hundreds of lives each year. What makes this statistic even more sobering is that the disease is largely preventable through HPV vaccinations and early detection screenings.
Yet, many women are still diagnosed at later stages, often due to stigma, low awareness, and limited engagement from healthcare professionals.
To change this narrative, Roche Diagnostics Malaysia has launched National Women’s Checkup Week (NWCW) 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer and promoting regular screening—especially among Malaysia’s working population.
The campaign was officially launched at Hilton Petaling Jaya, bringing together medical experts, community leaders, and corporate partners to urge women to take a vital step towards safeguarding their health: getting screened.
Despite being almost entirely caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer remains one of the most underdiagnosed conditions. Routine screening allows for early detection and effective management.
This year’s campaign theme, #ShowUpForHerHealth, calls on all Malaysians—women, men, families, employers, and policymakers—to collectively support the elimination of cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early,” said Heng Chai Yin, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Malaysia. “At Roche, our commitment extends beyond diagnostics.
“Through National Women’s Checkup Week, we are building a Malaysia where prioritising women’s health becomes the norm. No woman should be left behind, regardless of income or geography.”
A key highlight of the campaign is the introduction of HPV self-sampling kits, which empower women to collect their own samples privately—at home, in clinics, or at hospitals. This approach offers greater convenience and autonomy, particularly for women who may face time constraints or discomfort with traditional screenings.
“Early detection significantly improves outcomes,” said Dr Teo Ik Hui, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at University Malaya Medical Centre. “Tools like HPV self-sampling kits allow us to reach more women earlier. By reducing common barriers, we increase the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment—ultimately saving lives.”
However, effective screening is not only about access to the right tools. Creating a supportive and informed healthcare environment is equally essential.
“Primary care clinics are a crucial touchpoint for women’s health,” noted Dr Beatrice Jee Ngee Ling, Family Medicine Specialist and member of the Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association.
“When healthcare providers incorporate conversations about HPV and cervical cancer into routine check-ups, screening becomes normalised. This supports Malaysia’s commitment to the WHO’s 90-70-90 goals to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.”
Community-led organisations are also playing a significant role in expanding access to cervical screenings, using both self-sampling and clinician-administered methods aligned with Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines. These efforts are especially valuable for women in underserved or rural communities.
“HPV self-sampling is a game-changer,” said Dr Khoo Su Pei, Programme Director at ROSE Foundation. “It empowers women to take that first step, especially those who may find traditional screenings intimidating or logistically difficult. It brings healthcare closer to where women are—emotionally, culturally, and geographically.”
Roche Diagnostics Malaysia is partnering with a wide network of organisations to amplify the reach of NWCW through workplace screening programmes, educational campaigns, CSR initiatives, and improved access to testing.
These partners include: Alpro Clinics, Care Clinics, Cyto DR+ Clinics, FWD, Gleneagles Hospitals (Kuala Lumpur and Medini Johor), J.L.Lee Women Specialist Clinic, Klinik AK & Surgeri, Klinik Famili, Klinik Permaisuri, Klinik & Rumah Bersalin Tawau, KMI Tawau Medical Centre, LifeCare Diagnostics and MediLove Clinics.
Others are Miri City Medical Centre, Pantai Hospitals (Ampang, Cheras, Klang, Kuala Lumpur), Pelita Clinic, PERKESO, Premier Integrated Lab, Prime Borneo Clinic (Krokop), Prince Court Medical Centre, ROSE Foundation, Timberland Medical Centre and Wo Clinic.
In support of the campaign, FWD Insurance has donated RM30,000 in partnership with Roche Diagnostics Malaysia to fund ROSE Foundation’s mission to eliminate cervical cancer. ROSE (Removing Obstacles to cervical ScrEening) is best known for improving access to cervical screening through self-sampling and education, particularly for women in marginalised communities.
Men are also encouraged to play a role, by supporting their partners, family members, and colleagues in getting screened and by helping to foster open, stigma-free conversations about women’s health.
Women across Malaysia are urged to visit the National Women’s Checkup Week website to:
- Learn more about HPV and cervical cancer
- Access screening resources
- Support loved ones in getting screened
Together, through public-private collaboration, innovative tools, and community action, Malaysia can work toward the elimination of cervical cancer—one screening at a time.
