Cervical cancer ranks second in terms of the number of cancer sufferers in Indonesia. The Global Cancer Observatory released data that in 2020, the number of new cases in women who suffered from cervical cancer reached 36,633 (9.3%) out of a total of 396,914 new cases of cancer in Indonesia. This cancer resulted in 234,511 deaths, and this number is projected to continue to increase if there is no cancer prevention action.
In order to reduce this risk, the Faculty of Nursing (FIK) Universitas Indonesia (UI) is holding a free pap smear examination at the FIK UI Postgraduate Building, Depok, on November 9th 2023. This activity was part of the 38th Anniversary of FIK UI. Hundreds of participants, including lecturers, education staff, and the general public checked themselves in at that time. The event was carried out thanks to collaboration with Prodialab and the Health Social Security Agency on Health (BPJS). This pap smear examination is a concrete manifestation of FIK UI’s effort in increasing awareness regarding women’s reproductive health.
Dean of FIK UI, Agus Setiawan, S.Kp., M.N., D.N welcomed this activity. He said, “This pap smear activity is a form of FIK UI’s commitment in promoting women’s health and providing quality health services to the community. We are grateful for the support from Prodialab which has contributed to the success of this event.”
Pap smear is a cytology examination procedure carried out to detect cell changes in the cervix which can be an early sign of cervical cancer. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, almost all (99.7%) cervical cancers are directly related to infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. Young couples who are sexually active are at risk of contracting HPV as this viral infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, a pap smear needs to be done to detect cell changes that may be caused by HPV.
Education regarding the urgency of pap smear examinations also helps maintain reproductive health and quality of life for married couples who plan to have children. Regular pap smears can detect cell changes early before they develop into cancer. In this way, married couples, especially young couples, can take preventative or treatment steps more quickly which leads to higher chances of recovery. Young couples also don’t need to hesitate to consult health professionals.
It is important to remember that the pap smear is not only aimed at detecting cancer, but also preventing it. Pap smears are also important for young women because cervical cancer can affect women of all ages. Furthermore, these examinations can provide peace of mind and help women better plan their future.
This examination was welcomed by the general public, one of whom was Ester, who was a participant. “Thank God, I had the opportunity to take a free pap smear examination. I was really looking forward to this examination, especially as a woman. I hope that FIK UI can regularly hold activities like this that reach and have an impact on many communities,” said Ester.