KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Cervical cancer cases, the second most common cancer type among women in Brunei, are increasing with a 71 percent hike from 2002 to 2006.

    However, only about 30 percent of the Brunei's female population underwent pap smear exams, a Brunei daily reported hereon Wednesday.

    The Brunei Times quoted Brunei's Health Minister Suyoi Osman assaying that a coverage of 80 percent was required to reduce incidences and deaths resulting from cervical cancer.

    Suyoi said that the low percentage was worrying because cervical cancer could be prevented through screening.

    He said that inaccurate beliefs on pap smear exam and daily hassles such as coping with work while assuming their roles as wife and mother were among the causes of the low percentage.

    Suyoi reminded females the importance of raising their awareness on cervical cancer as early detection and treatment during the early or pre-cancerous stages could prevent the cancer from spreading to a dangerous level.

    He also said that the ministry was also studying the possibility of introducing a human papillomavirus injection program as a preventive measure for the disease.