In a recent expert discussion with Professor Nirmala Kampan, a gynecologic oncologist and pioneer of SLN mapping in Malaysia, shared her perspectives on the evolving role of this technique, from evidence-based outcomes to future innovation and directions in patient-centered care in EC.

There have been updates in the scientific understanding of cervical cancer since the prior set of cervical cancer prevention and screening guidelines was published by the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (HKCOG) in 2016, including novel nomenclature developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). New technologies such as 9-valent vaccines offer wider coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that lead to cervical cancer with added coverage implemented by population-based vaccination programs like the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP). Additionally, it was reminded that HPV tests need to be clinically validated and target high-risk strains including HPV16 and HPV18 to be effective for screening and triaging.

Anal cancers are predominantly preceded by screening-detectable high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Despite being relatively uncommon in the general population, possessing an incidence rate of 1.7 per 100,000 person-years, anal cancers disproportionately affects specific groups of individuals, particularly people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), solid organ transplant recipients and women with a history of vulvar cancer or precancer.

Anal cancers are predominantly preceded by screening-detectable high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Despite being relatively uncommon in the general population, possessing an incidence rate of 1.7 per 100,000 person-years, anal cancers disproportionately affects specific groups of individuals, particularly people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), solid organ transplant recipients and women with a history of vulvar cancer or precancer.