Cover image via Very Well
Attention, ladies! From now 'til 30 November 2017, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) is offering free pap smear tests in all LPPKN clinics nationwide.
Image via Women's Fitness
The programme is part of LPPKN's 'Wellbeing of Women' campaign, whose [main objectives](https://scontent.fkul2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21767939_10155161029541478_8537175201607014994_n.jpg?oh=ae06a63a286e4d92ec87057e0ceab00e&oe=5A4173E5) are to increase awareness about the importance of getting a pap smear as well as to provide assistance to women who may find themselves at risk of cervical cancer.
The free pap smear programme has been ongoing since 1 September 2017. It normally costs RM20 at Klinik Nur Sejahtera and other LPPKN clinics, while private clinics may charge an average of RM80 per procedure.
For those who are not familiar with it, a pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer, testing for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix
According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2007-2011 (which was released in 2015), **cervical cancer is the [third most common cancer](https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/01/121032/cervical-cancer-third-most-common-cancer-among-malaysian-women) among Malaysian women.** Doctors often recommend for women to [start getting a pap smear at age 21](https://www.verywell.com/how-often-should-you-have-a-pap-smear-582028), regardless whether they are sexually active or not, followed by regular screenings every three years.
During the procedure, cells from the cervix are gently scraped away and then examined for abnormal growth. It may sound intimidating, but rest assured that it's a routine procedure that's only mildly uncomfortable and often takes only a few minutes.
Image via Very Well
To be eligible for the free pap smear, you'd have to fulfill the following criteria:
(i) A citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia
(ii) Above 18 years of age
(iii) Are married or has been married before
(iv) At risk groups i.e. below 18 years of age, married or unmarried but sexually active
**Some important things to note:**
– Make sure your period is over for at least a week before undergoing the procedure.
– Avoid having sexual intercourse one or two days prior.
– Dress appropriately.
