Early Detection Of HPV Effectively Protects Women's Health And Grows Child Flower

Coordinator of the Ministry of Health's Surveillance Working Team, dr. Triya Novita in a discussion on the screening of cervical cancer in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Women's health is not only a personal matter, but also an important foundation for the future of children and families. One of the important steps to maintain women's health is through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening, which plays a major role in preventing cervical cancer.

By carrying out early detection, women can maintain their central role in children's care, education, and growth.

In a discussion on the importance of screening for cervical cancer in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 22, the Coordinator of the Ministry of Health's Surveillance Working Team, dr. Triya Novita Dinihari, emphasized that HPV screening is not just a matter of maintaining individual health.

We have to imagine the impact it will have on children. When a mother is sick, the child loses space to vent, loses warmth. This is the basic reason why screening is so important," said Dini, as quoted by ANTARA.

Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the two most common non-communicable diseases that attack women in Indonesia. Based on Globocan 2022 data, cervical cancer ranks fourth as the most common type of cancer in the world (6.9 percent) and is second in Indonesia (17.8 percent).

However, there are still many Indonesian women who are reluctant to screen due to feelings of shame and discomfort when sampling. Dini highlighted the importance of removing this stigma in order to increase HPV screening coverage nationally and prevent cancer cases in the future.

"We have to change the way we think. Don't wait until we get sick. If we know earlier, treatment is more effective, and we can stay with our children," said Dini. He added that the cancer treatment process is often long, expensive, and tiring, so prevention is the best step.

The government itself has provided various health facilities for women, including free inspection services such as Free Health Checks (CKG) available at health centers. It includes detection methods such as IVA tests and DNA HPV which can be used to detect various non-communicable diseases early, including cervical cancer.

To answer the comfort challenges, the Self Sampling method is now available, namely self-examination at home or health facilities, which allows women to take their own samples without having to feel uncomfortable.

This step is also part of a national strategy to support the target of eliminating cervical cancer from WHO by 2030, which includes vaccinating 90 percent of girls at school, 70 percent of women undergoing regular screening (30'69 years old), and 90 percent of patients receiving standard treatment.

"All facilities have started to be available, although not perfect. But compared to other countries that don't have one at all, we are much more prepared," said Dini.

He also emphasized that maintaining women's health is a direct investment in the future of Indonesian children. We want to produce a generation that is healthy, intelligent, and resilient. And for that, mothers must be in excellent condition.