The turning point in Junko Mihara's life came two years ago when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and had to have her uterus removed.

Now a lawmaker, the former actress and singer said the experience had a profound impact, opening her eyes to shortcomings in the health care system and prompting her to take an active role in looking for ways to improve it.

But after working with various nonprofit organizations to promote early checkups and vaccination programs for cervical cancer, Mihara said she realized the central government needed to take the initiative in protecting women from a form of cancer that kills roughly 3,500 each year.