Background: Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Malaysia. In most developing countries, it is not a norm to discuss about cervical cancer. In 2013, Lam Soon Edible Oil Sdn Bhd embarked on a campaign ‘May Cares for You’ with National Cancer Society Malaysia. Educating young adults about how cervical cancer is preventable through pap smears and HPV vaccination. ‘May Cares for You’ was a university based programme targeting young women aged between 18-23 years old.
Objectives: To emphasise the importance of Cervical Cancer awareness. To educate young women on the importance of HPV vaccination, and its role in the prevention of cervical cancer. To encourage young adults to advocate the prevention of cervical cancer through early detection and HPV vaccination
Method: NCSM conducted five educational roadshows in various local universities. Educational talks were conducted by NCSM’s in house doctor. Besides the talks, educational booth were also available providing additional information on Cervical Cancer and the importance of HPV vaccinations. Focusing on cervical cancer and ways to prevent or detect it. With emphasis on HPV vaccinations and stressing the need of young adults to take their vaccinations.
Results:
· NCSM discovered, that many college-going women were completely unaware of even where the cervix is much less its relationship with cervical cancer.
· There was a definite improvement of this lack of understanding amongst the students after the educational talks and information powered by NCSM.
· A competition was run after the talks based on questions about cervical cancer to ascertain the levels of understanding and the winners would receive free HPV vaccination vouchers at NCSM’s clinics.
Conclusion:The campaign was very received by the university students. NCSM will continue running such educational campaign not only targeting young adults but people from all walks of life.