The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement on Friday that it will send text messages to female residents of the appropriate age to make an appointment to receive cervical cancer screening services provided by the bureau.
According to the statement, between this month and April next year, mobile phone text messages will be sent to female residents aged 30 to 35, to be gradually expanded to the ages from 21 to 65, reminding them that if they have not had cervical cancer screening in the last two to three years, they should schedule screening as soon as recommended.
Residents are also encouraged to attend free screening services at government-subsidised non-profit-making medical institutions, including the Medical Centre of the Women’s General Association of Macau (commonly known as Fu Luen in Cantonese), the Worker’s Medical Clinic and the Son Vo Medical Centre, the statement said.
Cervical cancer is the most common female cancer, ranking as the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide. More than 95 percent of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening are recognised as the most effective preventive measures.
In recent years, the statement said, the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in Macau has decreased by nearly 30 percent compared with that before 2011, and the mortality rate has decreased by 8 percent.
On the other hand, as early as 2013, the government has been providing free cervical cancer vaccine (HPV vaccine) to female residents under the age of 18, which is expected to further reduce the risk of cervical cancer among women.
In addition, the statement said, the prevention of cervical cancer also requires the practice of a healthy lifestyle, including regular work and rest periods, regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and multiple sexual partners, and the correct use of condoms.
This image provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) on Friday shows a public awareness poster urging female residents to undergo free cervical cancer screening services provided by the bureau.
