Awareness among Indonesian women about taking early steps to protect their health is increasing, from HPV vaccination and Pap smears to regular medical check-ups. However, many still ask, “But if I feel healthy, is early detection still important?”
The fact is that many women’s health conditions develop without symptoms in the early stages, including cervical cancer, which is closely associated with infection by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Nevertheless, most cases of cervical cancer can actually be prevented through preventive measures.
“Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection, which can actually be prevented through vaccination and regular screening. The challenge is that many women only seek medical attention when the disease is already at an advanced stage because they had not undergone examinations previously,” said Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, dr Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid.
Although awareness of HPV vaccination among women is increasing, many remain hesitant because they feel they do not need it yet. In reality, the risk of HPV infection often goes unnoticed because it does not always cause symptoms.
“HPV can be contracted without being noticed for years, so waiting for symptoms to appear is not the right strategy. Vaccination helps protect against high-risk types of the virus, while screening, such as a Pap smear or HPV DNA test, can detect cell changes at an early stage,” explained dr Rudi Simanjuntak, Sp.OG, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong.
From a prevention perspective, when there are no symptoms is actually the best time to take preventive measures. Early detection is not only related to cervical cancer, but also to women’s health as a whole, so that various conditions can be identified at an earlier stage through routine examinations, ranging from hormonal disorders and reproductive health issues to the risk of chronic diseases, while also helping determine the appropriate preventive measures.
It’s Not Just a Check-Up, It’s Self-Care
Just like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising or taking care of your skin, looking after reproductive health is also a long-term investment. The earlier these measures are taken, the greater the potential benefits.
For those who are still hesitant, the first step can be to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate vaccination and screening needs, without having to wait until reaching a certain age or experiencing symptoms. Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong and Bethsaida Hospital Serang, both under Bethsaida Healthcare, provide HPV vaccination services and women’s medical check-up packages designed to support comprehensive early detection, with integrated examinations and doctor consultations to help women determine preventive measures according to their individual health conditions and needs.
Early detection is no longer simply an additional option, but a long-term health investment for women. HPV vaccination and regular screening can help reduce future health risks while providing greater peace of mind, allowing women to go about their daily activities with greater confidence.