Preparation for Cervical Cancer Prevention Weekend

This post is written based upon the author's own initiative, and not being influenced in any way, nor being given any form of remuneration by the pharmaceutical company of which the product is highlighted. 
The much anticipated Cervical Cancer Prevention week begun yesterday. Over 700+ flyers were mailed, however yet to receive any response. I am optimistic this campaign, being the first of many more to come throughout the year will reach the public. I don't expect many to turn up for the talk this coming Saturday, but for every project, initiation by taking the first step irrespective on the size of the crowd is what counts. It's easy for any medical practitioner to routinely come to clinic, treat the sick, then go home once the clinical hours is up.
However, deep down, I sincerely believe the nature of the medical profession goes beyond treating the sick, but to reach out to create an awareness among the public.
Cervical cancer is merely a word to many, but to those who was diagnosed to have it, their life revolves around it.
Unless a celebrity, an icon, a personality known to many who is diagnosed with this deadly disease is made public, otherwise, it's most disheartening to know most people are still ignorant about this disease.
This is the reason why it's important to reach out to the public, to educate the masses that such a diseases is now avoidable by choice. I guess one wouldn't realize the degree of trauma one has to go through upon being diagnosed by this disease, getting test done to know the stage, whether are they salvageable or be told that their days would be numbered, the morale that has died the moment being told their treatment is purely palliative. Why? Why would anyone in the right frame of mind would want to risk all that when a revolutionary vaccine is available today to avoid all those inconveniences?
For those who follows this blog would understand why am I being so driven in creating an awareness.
First of all, on behalf of Klinik Wan & Keluarga, we would like to personally thank Miss Wendy from GSK who has been so helpful in furnishing me with updates concerning this vaccine. Her help in providing materials in this campaign has been monumental and instrumental. If it isn't for her help, the campaign wouldn't have materialized.

The eye catching posters being provided for by GSK. One should note that no clinic is allowed to advertise the products available, however, this poster did not mention the world Cervarix, merely an eye opener for the public.
One is placed inside the clinic, while another being placed outside,along the walkway outside the clinic.

Noticed the multiple posters pasted on the glass, indicating Klinik Wan & Keluarga's commitment in creating an awareness for the public. The counseling conducted is free. Anyone irrespective of age and sex can walk in to inquire about cervical cancer and vaccine available. For those who is planning to get themselves vaccinated, please note that you need not do a Pap Smear prior to vaccination, nor the need to feel obliged to be followed by Klinik Wan & Keluarga.
In preparation for the Cervical Cancer prevention week, GSK has furnished us with several goodies, which includes:-

Word puzzles or patients while waiting for their turn for counseling or vaccination.

Leaflets as such in all four corners of the clinic for patients to read, and ask the doctors if unsure of what is written or for a more thorough explanation if needed.

The campaign shouldn't be something to be taken so "seriously".. Hence balloons to create a more "light hearted or happier" ambient.

A questionnaire to determine whether do you fall within the high risk group that warrants vaccination.

A button tag for the staff...

A goody bag for attendees for Saturday's talk on "How to prevent cervical cancer".. which contains

A leaflet, tissue, questionnaire, and a pen, courtesy of GSK...

In fact, i was given a door notice to inform the public of my presence, unfortunately...

It can't be used in my clinic as there isn't a door knob on the door into my consultation room.

GSK has gone all the way to support medical practitioners like me to create awareness among the patients and public by providing tissues with messages printed on the cover.

Even they have printed plastic bags with messages on it. As you are aware, this isn't a advertising ploy, as they don't mention anything on their product, but merely emphasizing on the disease per say.

Even though cervical cancer vaccine was first introduced to the public since 2006 in the form of Gardasil, it is still considered new, as a considerable number of people aren't aware of the availability of such vaccine.Even if the public knew about the presence of such vaccine, how many actually know the the extent of problem cervical  cancer has on us? 

With the availability of different vaccines, now the public has a choice. Which is the better 

vaccine? Which is superior compared to the other? How to decide when one doesn't have knowledge on the properties of the vaccine? 

Hence, it's important to educate the public on it, and it takes times. But cervical cancer don't wait for the "ideal" time to strike. 

Cervical cancer do not recognize race, religion, social status, and age. We've come across patient as young as early 30s who was diagnosed to have cervical cancer. 

One thing that i like about GSK is their commitment towards providing medical practitioners up to date knowledge with diseases and findings of ongoing medical studies by providing medical journals.

...and regularly organizing CME(Continuous medical education) and symposiums by inviting world renowned doctors and scientist from their respective fields of expertise.

The next CME will be on the 29th May in Shangri-La, with Dr Quek from Singapore, who is a renowned Gynecologist who came for a symposium held last year. 

In conjuction to Mother's Day celebration, we took this opportunity to kick start our all year long campaign, and personally, I am excited about it. 

The clinic before this was "normal".... 

How plain the clinic was previously compared to .......NOW!

This is the "Pink Corner" where chart, pamphlets, and leaflets are placed for the patient to read and explore while waiting for their consultation.

That's Miss Wendy, a gentle and petite lady, who blew most of these balloons.

Whoever miss seeing the notice hung from the chandelier must be blind or simply ignorant.

Would I simply hang a notice tied to thousand dollars chandelier if it's not important?

That's Miss Wendy hanging the balloons...

Ta...dah!!!!! But wait!!!

More balloons!!....

Now the clinic look more "cheerful and a happier" place, even to those who come to seek treatment for cough and cold, hopefully coming to Klinik Wan dan Keluarga wouldn't be a glum experience, as normally clinics are associated with. 

It ain't no Disneyland either,though..

Just do not want coming to Klinik Wan & Keluarga to be an ordeal, but rather, an experience..

Klinik Wan & Keluarga isn't just a clinic for the sick, but rather a health centre.

Forward the URL to your love ones, friends, wife,sisters,mother,cousin,colleagues,etc...

Cervical cancer vaccination

note: this post on revolutionary discovery and the product are not influenced by any means by the company that produces the product. The content of this post is based on the knowledge of the author and statistics are attained by Medical Publications.
This blog was initially intended for medical related topics. However, after a while, gradually the post became more personal. How would you classify my blog? Its up to you. Whether its personal, cosmetic, medical, poetry.
As a doctor, i feel the need to share with the masses about something totally revolutionary in the field of medicine. In the past, TB killed millions of people throughout Europe. People diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis is as good as dead as there wasn't any treatment or vaccination available.
Today with modern science and technology, we have fought back many of these diseases and had prevailed with the discovery of new drugs, early prophylactic vaccinations, social awareness.
Very often these killer diseases are preventable by means of healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately our gene dictates the probability of developing certain diseases despite leading our life the best we could. For years, there is a battle between Heart Disease and Cancer for the number one spot as a killer disease.
For women, breast cancer has been the number one killer for years, followed closely by cervical cancer. Today, technology and science has reduced the death mortality statistics drastically by the discovery of the first ever cancer vaccine. As for today, there are 2 major medical companies that produce this life saving vaccines. They are widely used throughout the globe. Before continuing, i would like to state some facts about cervical cancer.
Fact 1: Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer affecting Malaysian women, after breast cancer.
Fact 2:In 2002, cervical cancer accounted for 12.9% of all female cancer in Malaysia.
Fact 3:Virtually every women is at risk of cervical cancer, regardless of their age or lifestyle.
Q: What is cervical cancer?
a: The cervix is the neck of the womb(uterus). It connects the body of the uterus to the vagina(birth canal) . Cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix become abnormal and grow out of control. The cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Q: What is HPV(human papillomavirus)
a: Human papilloma virus(HPV) is a family of more than 100 viruses that is very common. Some types of HPV are associated with certain types of cancer. These are called "high-risk) cancer causing HPVs.
Q:What is the relation between HPV and Cervical Cancer?
a: Most HPV infections occur without any symptoms and will go away without any treatment over the course of a few months
Infection by the "high-risk" (cancer causing) HPV is necessary for the development of cervical cancer. These infections are asymptomatic and majority will resolve without any need for treatment.
However, in some cases, the infection can persist, leading to the risk of progression to cervical cancer. This process can take more than ten years.
Therefore it is important to be protected against the "high-risk" HPVs
Q:How is HPV transmitted?
a: HPV is a common virus that is transmitted through genital skin to skin contact so it can affect virtually any women, regardless of her ahe or lifestyle. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected.
It is estimated that about four out of five sexually active women will have an HPV infection during their lifetime, even if they've only had one or two sexual partners.

Q: Will I still be at risk of HPV infection if I am already married?
a: The risk of HPV starts from the first sexual encounter and lasts throughout a women's life. It is estimated that up to 80% of women will acquire a genital HPV infection in their lifetime irrespective of their age or lifestyle.
Q: Do condoms reduce the risk of HPV infection?
a: Condoms reduce the risk but are not fully protective.
Throughout her life every women is at risk from the virus that causes cervical cancer.
Q: What is Pap Smear?
a: A Pap smear is a quick and simple test to find abnormal cells at the surface of the cervix. Usually cells are collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory where they are tested for changes
A Pap smear kit set
Q: Can Cervical Cancer be prevented?
a: Until recently the only way to prevent cervical cancer was regular Pap smear testing to look for early signs of the disease.
Vaccination is now available to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer.

Since the first introduction of HPV vaccine in Malaysia, less than 1% women has been vaccinated. This could either be due to cost and public awareness on importance and availability of vaccine.

Currently, there are two brands of Cervical Cancer Vaccination available, they are Gardasil, produced by Merck & Co., and Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline.

As mentioned earlier, the choice of product in this post is not influenced by company that produce them. This post is not intended to be an advertisement, but rather an attempt to create public awareness and a better understanding regarding availability of these life saving vaccines towards the public.

Cervarix by Gsk. Ask your doctor today regarding Cervical Cancer Vaccination.
A complete vaccination has a similar timing as vaccination for Hepatitis B, which would be
1st dose : 0 month
2nd dose: 1 month later
3rd dose: 5 month after the 2nd dose.
However, what sets this particular brand apart from other vaccines is its flexibility. Studies shows that even the timing between 1st and 2nd dose is prolonged to 54 weeks, blood serology indicates a persistent high degree of immunity, hence it would be convenient for individuals who is pregnant and had received the 1st dose before conception. 2nd dose can be administered after delivery of baby. However there is no studies to establish safety during lactation.
The price for each dose has been reduced drastically, from 450RM-RM500 per dose to 200RM-250RM. The decision to reduce the price by the producers to encourage more women to get vaccinated by increasing its affordability. According to Department of statistics of Malaysia, a total of 7,500000(58%) women are exposed to the risk of cervical cancer.(age between 10-45 years)

To ensure your beneficent insist on checking the expire date of the vaccine.
Each box of vaccine comes with a pre filled syringe o.5ml of vaccine.
As an advice to women, get vaccinated before contributing to part of mortality statistics, as cervical cancer today has become a preventable disease.