Many Thai women are still not getting screened for HPV, despite the introduction of self-sampling swabs last year. An assistant professor and gynaecological oncology specialist at Chulabhorn Hospital said 80% of cervical cancers can be prevented if regular check-ups are performed. But many women still resist the screening, feeling uneasy with the testing process.
Last year the self-sampling test swabs were introduced last year as an alternative for women uncomfortable with HPV and cervical cancer screenings. The professor explained to a recent forum that self-sampling is better than nothing, but regular check-ups are still the best.
“Shyness, fear of medical stirrups and pain, fear of cancer detection, and fear of treatments lead to the failure to get regular checkups….
