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The community service team from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) through the Community Partnership Program (PKM-UNS) scheme has carried out an activity entitled "Increasing Awareness and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer through Education and HPV Screening for Health Workers and the Community", which took place on Sunday (6/7/2025) at the Solo Oncology Hospital (RSOS).

This activity is a form of collaboration between the UNS Community Service Team, the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) Surakarta Branch, and RSOS. The main objective of this activity is to increase public knowledge and health workers regarding the importance of prevention and early detection of cervical cancer which is the main cause of cancer deaths in women in Indonesia. This Community Service Team consists of Dr. dr. Uki Retno Budihastuti, Sp.O.G. Subsp.F.E.R., Dr. dr. Heru Priyanto, Sp.O.G. Subsp. Onk., dr. Eriana Melinawati, Sp.O.G. Subsp. F.E.R., dr. Affi Angelia Ratnasari, Sp.O.G. Subsp. Onk, M.Kes. and dr. Tri Nugraha Susilawati, M.Med., Ph.D.

The event began with an educational seminar delivered by Dr. Affi Angelia Ratnasari, Sp.O.G. Subsp. Onk, M.Kes. and was intended for the general public. In this session, participants received information about cervical cancer risk factors, the importance of HPV vaccination, early detection, and a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure. In addition to the seminar, this activity also provided a free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA Test) and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) examination, which are intended for early detection of cervical and breast cancer. The enthusiasm of the participants was very high, as seen from the number of people who attended and participated in the examination. Many of them admitted that it was their first time participating in this examination, and appreciated the educational approach used by the team.

Dr. dr. Uki Retno Budihastuti, Sp.O.G. Subsp. F.E.R., the head of the UNS community service team, explained that this activity demonstrates the university's role in supporting government programs in cancer prevention, particularly through promotive and preventive approaches.

"Through this activity, we want to raise public awareness of the importance of early detection of cervical cancer. Women's health is a vital foundation for family and national development, so efforts to improve it must involve all parties," she said.

The Surakarta Branch of YKI and the Solo Oncology Hospital also expressed their appreciation for this activity and expressed their commitment to continue synergizing with various parties to reduce the incidence of cancer in Indonesia.

"We welcome and appreciate this community service activity as part of a concrete effort to raise awareness and early detection of cervical cancer in the community. Collaboration like this is crucial to promote more effective cancer prevention and treatment, especially for Indonesian women across all levels of society," responded Dr. dr. Rita Budianti, Sp. Rad. Subsp. Onk, Chair of the Surakarta YKI Branch.

This activity directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including for women at the community level. By providing education and access to free screenings, this program empowers women to manage their own health independently. Furthermore, this initiative also implements SDG 17 by engaging various partners to collaborate towards a healthier society.

Through an educational and collaborative approach, this PKM-UNS activity not only serves as a significant momentum in raising awareness of cervical cancer but also represents a tangible contribution from higher education institutions to supporting the achievement of global goals. When education, health services, and the community work hand in hand, women's health—as the guardians of life—can be more secure, fair, and equitable.

Public Relations of FK UNS