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research impact on community

a scientifically validated and globally accepted intervention for identifying women at the pre-
cancerous stage and enabling early treatment for cancer prevention. A Malaysian Integrated
Cervical Cancer Control Programme of high-coverage, simple screening in 30 to 60 years old
women, in addition to adolescent HPV vaccination, would not only more rapidly reduce the burden
and cost of treating cervical cancer, but would serve as a critical model for the region. Hence, a
novel cervical screening programme was developed using the principles of design thinking.

The proposed implementation model is being proven through a successful and innovative
collaborative trial led by University of Malaya with global multidisciplinary experts in the field
– Pilot PROJECT ROSE – Removing Obstacles in cervical ScrEening. Key components are:
Self-sampling of women, HPV DNA testing, and digital e-Health platform for high connectivity
to participants and real-time reporting. Pilot PROJECT ROSE is informing the road-map for
implementation and scale-up of a phased, feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable national
cervical cancer screening programme which complements the very successful HPV vaccination
programme in Malaysia. Malaysia can be the first country in South East Asia to implement a
population-wide, highly effective cervical cancer screening program, in conjunction with the
leading HPV vaccination programme, establishing leadership to other countries in our region.

Editor’s note: Recently, Project ROSE, led by Professor Woo Yin Ling has been shortlisted as one of
the three finalists for the 2018 UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) Collaborative Award. This
prestigious award aims to identify and celebrate best practices across UICC members and inspire the
cancer control community. The award recognizes collaborative initiatives, whether national, regional
or international, that exhibit innovative models of engagement and outcomes. PULSE@UM wishes the
team every success.

For more information about cervical cancer prevention and Project ROSE, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectROSE.my/

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