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. However, despite this vital role, women’s health globally remains overlooked and underfunded, leaving many at risk. While women, on average, live longer than men, they spend 25% more of their lives battling poor health. 1

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 Diagnostics2 across the Asia-Pacific region highlights the challenges many women face in prioritising their health. Nearly half of the women surveyed put family needs before their own, often delaying or skipping 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.

Joining theRoche 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 on a woman’s life. But it’s not just her problem—it’s everyone’s. 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 week.3 In comparison to global statistics, where it is the fourth most common cancer.4 Singapore's figures are relatively low—an outcome many attribute to the country’s robust healthcare system. Despite this, the absence of a structured screening programme leads to low participation rates, even in a society that is affluent and well-educated. "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 as a fundamental right. "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?’"

The initiative also highlights the critical role of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. "HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening should become part of everyday life—something that future generations see as ‘normal’. It should be considered cool to get screened and vaccinated," says Ida.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that affects most men and women at some point in their lives. While not everyone who tests positive for a high-risk HPV infection will develop cervical cancer, persistent infection that is not managed by the immune system can lead to cancer over time. This process can take many years, which is why regular screening and management are essential.

"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 disease5,6. Cultural taboos surrounding women’s sexual 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 procedure.7 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, lack of awareness about HPV and its link to cancer, and the belief that getting tested implies having multiple sexual partners—an issue many consider sensitive in Thailand. Additionally, women feel 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 environment.8 “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. As Sirintip emphasises, these efforts empower women to take control of their health and well-being, reminding them that seeking preventive care is both a right and a responsibility.

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 to.9 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. In Hong Kong, a strong sense of family duty can significantly hinder women's access to medical care. For instance, 61% of women10 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 the body and how important self-care is,” Katharina asserts. For her, the initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for long-term change. “I believe bit by bit, one woman by one woman, we will hopefully change the dial.”

Empowering women to prioritise their 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.

Every woman deserves the opportunity to prevent, detect, and overcome cervical cancer. This requires a shift in attitudes—both within healthcare systems and across communities. Families, healthcare providers, and local organisations must work together to create an environment where women's health is not secondary to other obligations but is recognised as an integral part of overall well-being.

As attitudes towards women’s health evolve, the region has a unique opportunity to champion health equality and ensure that all women, regardless of background, have access to the tools and support needed to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. It is only through collective responsibility that this vision can become a reality.

References

1. Pérez, L., Bishen, S., McKinsey Health Institute, & World Economic Forum. (2024). Closing the women’s health Gap: a $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies.

2.  (2023, February 28). Roche Diagram - Enhancing Healthcare Equity for Women in Asia Pacific. Diagram.

3. Singapore Cancer Registry, National Registry of Diseases Office, Staff of the Singapore Cancer Registry, Cheong, K., Foo, L. L., Lee, E., Kuo, S., Cai, M., Yap, A., Abu Bakar, H., Lee, B. G., Ling, S. N., Kaur, S., Choo, S., Dongmei, Y., Har, Y. S., Ministry of Health, Singapore Disease Policy and Strategy Division, & Chow, W. L. (2024). Annual Report 2022 (By Health Promotion Board).

4. World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, March 5). Cervical cancer.

5. Wongpratate, M., & Bumrungthai, S. (2024). Cervical cancer in Thailand: 2023 update. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, 67(3), 261–269.

6.  Wongpratate, Mayuree, and Sureewan Bumrungthai. “Cervical cancer in Thailand: 2023 update.” Obstetrics & gynecology science vol. 67,3 (2024): 261-269. doi:10.5468/ogs.23277

7.  World Health Organisation. Fact sheet. Cervical Cancer. Accessed July 2024 via

8.  Ploysawang P, Rojanamatin J, Prapakorn S, Jamsri P, Pangmuang P, Seeda K, Sangrajrang S. National Cervical Cancer Screening in Thailand. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Jan 1;22(1):25-30. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.1.25. PMID: 33507675; PMCID: PMC8184188.

9. 2024 Asia Pacific Women's Health Survey (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam). February 2024. (Data on file).

10. (2023, February 28). Roche Diagram - Enhancing Healthcare Equity for Women in Asia Pacific. Diagram.