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Sarawak Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme

The Sarawak Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme (SCCEP) is an initiative focused on advancing cervical cancer prevention, screening, research, and public awareness across Sarawak. Through partnerships, innovation, and evidence-based approaches, SCCEP aims to improve access to cervical cancer services and support the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern in Sarawak.

The SCCEP will initially focus on the coordination of HPV screening programs using a data-driven approach and at the same time optimising molecular diagnostics to ensure that they are relevant for genotypes circulating in Sarawak.

SCCEP brings together screening, research, and education to protect the health of women across Sarawak, with the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern.

A programme built for Sarawakians, by Sarawakians

The Sarawak Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme (SCCEP) is a coordinated effort to improve how cervical cancer is prevented, detected, and understood right here in Sarawak.

Through partnerships across health services, research institutions, and communities, SCCEP takes an evidence-based approach. Every decision is grounded in data and shaped by what’s actually happening in Sarawak.

The programme focuses on making cervical cancer services more accessible to women who need them, while also expanding public awareness so more women can take steps to protect their health.

Screening

We coordinate HPV screening programmes using data to track who is being reached, who isn’t, and where the gaps are — so more women can be tested earlier.

Local diagnostics

Not all HPV types behave the same way and Sarawak has different types of HPV, compared to the rest of Malaysia. SCCEP is optimising testing methods to detect the specific HPV strains that are most clinically relevant in Sarawak.

Research

We gather and analyse local data to improve our understanding of cervical cancer in Sarawak, ensuring the programme stays responsive to needs of the people affected.

Public awareness

Empowering women with clear, accessible information about cervical cancer, screening options, and prevention is central to everything we do.

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common infections in the world. Most people will come into contact with it at some point in their lives, often without knowing. It usually causes no symptoms and the body clears it on its own.

However, some types of HPV are more persistent. A small number of these higher-risk types are closely linked to cervical cancer and if left undetected, they can cause changes in the cervix that develop into cancer over time.

The encouraging news is that HPV can be detected with a simple test. Because most cervical cancers develop slowly, catching a high-risk HPV infection early gives doctors the opportunity to monitor and treat any concerning changes well before cancer has a chance to develop. Screening saves lives.

In 2026, SCCEP is laying the groundwork: connecting the right partners and finding out where screening is reaching women and where it isn’t yet.