Uniting for a cause: National Women’s Check-Up Week in Asia Pacific

Investing in women’s health contributes to a better world. Healthy women drive economies, nurture strong families, and build resilient communities. But women still lack sufficient education and access to healthcare in some parts of the world, resulting in poor health outcomes.

One stark example is the rising rate of cervical cancer—a disease that is nearly 100% preventable but continues to claim a life every two minutes worldwide. Over half of these deaths are in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and the toll is projected to rise in the coming decade, underscoring an urgent need for action.

A recent survey by Roche Diagnostics1 across the Asia-Pacific region highlights the challenges. Nearly half of the women surveyed delay or skip medical check-ups. Perceived pain and discomfort, fear over the results or embarrassment prevent them from seeking care, increasing the risk of serious illness. The findings show that one in three women know little or nothing about cervical cancer screenings and do not plan to get screened.

Roche launched National Women’s Checkup Week (NWCW), an initiative aimed at raising awareness and increasing access to cervical health screenings. By partnering with businesses, healthcare providers, and local communities, NWCW promotes both education and access to preventive care, helping to make regular screenings a part of everyday life.

In Singapore, where healthcare standards are high, a surprising challenge persists: the gap between awareness and action when it comes to cervical cancer prevention. Despite over 90% of women recognising the importance of cervical screenings, uptake remains low. This issue is not simply a matter of education; it stems from an "opportunistic screening strategy" where individuals are responsible for initiating their own screenings, rather than through an organised, reminder-based programme. As Ida Ismail-Pratt, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, from the Singapore Cancer Society explains, "Cervical cancer has a devastating impact. The effects ripple through families, emotionally and financially. Children, partners, extended families, and entire communities all feel the repercussions."

Cervical cancer ranks as the tenth most common cancer among women in Singapore, with four new diagnoses each week2. In comparison to global statistics, where it is the fourth most common cancer3. The absence of a structured screening programme leads to low participation rates. "We need to create a culture where cervical cancer screening is seen as part of routine healthcare, not something women need to be reminded to do."

With National Women’s Check-Up Week (NWCW), Singapore’s public health advocates are urging women to prioritise self-care. "All of us have important women in our lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends," says Ida. "They care for us, and it’s only natural that we give back by asking them, ‘Have you been for your smear test?’"

"Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and it’s time we take action together," Ida stresses. She believes that through collective action, cervical cancer can be eradicated as a public health issue in Singapore. "If we all work together, we can eliminate cervical cancer."

In Thailand, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with over 5 million unaware of the risks associated with the disease4,5. Cultural taboos surrounding women’s health have significantly contributed to low screening rates. Many women perceive cervical cancer screenings as shameful or embarrassing, with over one-third hesitant to undergo the procedure6. It’s all too common for women to only seek care once symptoms appear - an often deadly delay.

Sirintip Kudtiyakarn, President of the Thai Cancer Society, highlights the main barriers to screening. “Cervical screening rates are still low. The primary reasons women avoid tests are shyness and feeling they cannot take time off for check-ups due to family and work commitments.”

While Thailand has made strides in cervical cancer prevention with the establishment of a national screening programme, as a cancer survivor herself in remission for nine years, Sirintip stresses the need for a supportive environment7. “One needs consciousness, encouragement, and appropriate treatment to recover and get back to their lives happily.”

To tackle these barriers, National Women’s Check-Up Week in Thailand is partnering with more than 60 hospitals to provide accessible screenings across the country. This partnership between the public and private sectors has opened a much-needed dialogue around cervical cancer, helping to combat the stigma and societal shame that often surrounds these screenings.

Cervical cancer poses a significant health challenge in Hong Kong, where more than a million women, aged 25-45, have never had a cervical cancer screening and are not planning to8. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action, especially as cervical cancer is largely preventable with early detection.

At the core of this issue is the cultural context in which many women prioritise family and household responsibilities over their own health. For instance, 61% of women9 place greater importance on spending time with family, making it challenging to schedule medical appointments. As Katharina Reimer, Executive Director of the Karen Leung Foundation, notes, “self-care often comes last” for women juggling multiple roles within their families. This focus on caregiving often leaves little room for personal health concerns, contributing to the persistently low rates of screenings.

Compounding this issue, discussions about cervical health are often absent within families. “You’d be surprised how little is talked about within families,” she says, pointing out that important conversations about health rarely take place, and even medical professionals can be hesitant to raise the topic. “Doctors should be asking mothers about their daughters’ health, but that doesn’t happen.”

In response, the Hong Kong Women's Checkup Week is actively working to change these perceptions. Through workshops and partnerships with local clinics, the initiative has created a supportive environment that encourages women to prioritise their health without compromising their family roles. “We need to find a forum to change perceptions around how important self-care is,” Katharina asserts.

Prioritising health is essential in fostering a culture of proactive care. Cervical cancer, one of the most preventable cancers, remains a significant threat in many parts of APAC, where access to screening and early detection is uneven. The real challenge lies not just in the availability of services, but in ensuring that women recognise the importance of their own health and make time for preventative care amidst competing responsibilities.

To prevent, detect, and overcome cervical cancer, families, healthcare providers, and local organisations must work together to create an environment where women's health is recognised as an integral part of overall well-being.