Preventing Cervical Cancer Early: PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital Gombong Organizes IVA Awareness Program for Couples – “Health is Not Just a Woman’s Responsibility”
Gombong – As part of its commitment to increase public awareness about the importance of cervical cancer early detection, PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital Gombong held a community outreach program titled “Know IVA, Love Your Family” on Saturday, January 20, 2024. The event was met with great enthusiasm, particularly from married couples who are actively involved in caring for each other. The initiative aimed to enhance understanding of the importance of the IVA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) test as a vital first step in the fight against cervical cancer.
The event featured inspiring speakers, Prof. Apt. Didik Setiawan, S.Sc., Ph.D., and Apt. Githa Fungie Galistiani, Ph.D., successfully created an open and educational space for the community. In a warm and interactive atmosphere, participants were encouraged not to overlook the importance of reproductive health, particularly cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Indonesia.
Prof. apt. Didik Setiawan, Sc. Ph.D : ”Prevent cancer since early”
In the first session, the focus was on cervical cancer prevention, which can be initiated from an early stage. “Cervical cancer is caused by a virus, and therefore, it is largely preventable by avoiding exposure to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV),” the speaker explained. It is essential for both wives and husbands to understand this, so that they can provide mutual support and take an active role in preventive care.
Apt. Githa Fungie Galistiani, Ph.D : “The Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (IVA) is the Most Effective Early Screening Method”
The second session emphasized the importance of early detection of cervical cancer. “Currently, the Indonesian government is implementing a national early detection program for cervical cancer through the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (IVA),” she explained. However, spousal support is essential as a form of cooperation within the household. “Many women feel embarrassed or afraid. In reality, the IVA examination takes only about five minutes, is painless, and is available free of charge at many healthcare facilities,” she added.
Dr. Githa also stressed that cervical cancer is highly preventable if detected early. “Cervical cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. But with the IVA test, we can detect it much earlier—before the disease progresses into a more serious condition,” she concluded.
More Than Just a Socialization Event: Fostering a Culture of Health Awareness and Public Understanding of IVA for Cervical Cancer Prevention
This event was not merely an educational session, but also served as a significant moment to foster collective awareness of the importance of family health. Beyond the presentations, the activity included a pre-test and post-test conducted by the team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto to evaluate participants’ knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention. The evaluation aimed to ensure that the community effectively understood the objectives of socialization.
This initiative served as a potent reminder that prevention is far better than a cure. With accurate information, accessible screening, and strong family support, cervical cancer can be prevented at an early stage. PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital Gombong hopes that programs like this will reach even more people and help cultivate a strong culture of health awareness, starting from the family as the fundamental unit of society.