Arakan State health authorities provide cervical cancer screenings

27 May 2022

DMG Newsroom
27 May 2022, Sittwe  

The Arakan State Public Health Department is providing cervical cancer screenings for 500 local women at Sittwe Hospital from May 26-28. 

The department will provide treatment if cervical cancer is detected, said the head of the Arakan State Public Health Department, Dr. Kyi Lwin. 

“We’re checking whether they have or are likely to develop cervical cancer. If they have cancer, gynaecologists will provide consultation and necessary treatment. We also organised educational talks,” said Dr. Kyi Lwin. 

Known risk factors associated with developing cervical cancer are human papilloma virus (HPV), smoking, marrying at a young age and multiple sexual partners, said Dr. Kyi Lwin. Women between 35 and 55 years of age should undergo a cervical cancer screening, he added. 

The department will provide treatment for those who are diagnosed with cervical cancer and vaccinate against HPV for those who are clear, according to Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the Arakan State Public Health Department. 

“This is the first time we have provided cervical cancer screenings. And we will vaccinate those who have no cervical cancer,” he said. 

Symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, including bleeding during or after sex, between periods or after menopause; having heavier periods than normal or changes in vaginal discharge; and pain during sexual intercourse.