Batam Health Office Urges Public to Undergo Early Detection for Cervical Cancer

Batam (ANTARA) - The Batam City Health Department in the Riau Islands (Kepri) is urging the public, particularly women, to undergo early detection for cervical cancer using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) test at community health centres (puskesmas). “Batam residents can have VIA examinations for cervical cancer and breast examinations at the nearest puskesmas, free of charge. They just need to bring their Batam ID card,” said the Head of the Community Health Division of the Batam Health Department, Dr Agnes Sintalia Saing, when contacted in Batam on Saturday. She explained that early detection is crucial because most cases of cervical and breast cancer show no symptoms in the early stages. “Many cases present no complaints, and suddenly they are in advanced stages. That is why we recommend routine examinations so that they can be treated more quickly,” she said. Based on data from March 2026 from hospitals across Batam City, there were 61 cases of cervical cancer with no deaths, and 222 cases of breast cancer with three fatalities. In addition, from the screening results conducted, around three percent of participants were detected to have indications of cervical cancer. “The detection rate from screenings is around three percent. This shows the importance of early detection,” said Agnes. She added that low public participation in examinations is often due to feelings of shame and lack of awareness. “Sometimes women feel embarrassed because sensitive organs are being examined. Also, because there are no symptoms, they feel there is no need for an examination,” she said. According to her, routine examinations are precisely needed before symptoms appear so that treatment can be carried out more quickly and effectively. She invited the public to take advantage of the available services as a preventive step. “Let’s all check our health to prevent disease. Come to the nearest puskesmas, just bring your ID card, so it can be detected early and treated further,” she said. The Batam Health Department hopes that with the ease of access to these services, public awareness of early cancer detection will increase, thereby reducing mortality rates.