Vaccination & Regular Screening Crucial to Combat Cervical Cancer

HAAD also called upon women between 25 - 65 years of age who are or have been married to undergo a Pap smear test, one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests that looks for changes on the cervix that might become cancer if left untreated, at least once every three to five years.

According to HAAD data and statistics Cervical Cancer is fifth leading cancer in females in Abu Dhabi, with UAE Nationals accounting for 39 per cent of cases and an average diagnosis age of 47.

HAAD said: “Married women need to realise that they are all at risk of cervical cancer and that if they do not get regular screening to detect pre-cancer and the earliest stages of cancer, then the delay in diagnosis in the absence of screening will cause the cancer to become advanced and will reduce the chances of a cure. The fact is that cervical cancer is easily preventable, and that simple regular screening can save lives.”

According to HAAD there are several myths about cervical cancer preventing women from seeking immediate medical attention. Common misconceptions are if a woman has no family history then she is not prone to the disease, or if she has no symptoms then she does not need to get checked and also that the cervical smear test – also called a Pap smear – is a painful procedure.

A Pap smear or Pap test is a quick, painless procedure that can detect pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The results form the basis for effective preventive treatment and also reveal other conditions such as infections or inflammation.

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The disease is neither genetic nor hereditary; more than 99 per cent of cases are attributable to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

The HPV vaccine is available in more than 24 healthcare facilities across the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Women can also book their Pap smear screening appointments through www.haad.ae/simplycheck/appointment

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi’s awareness efforts focusing on cervical cancer form part of its ‘Live Healthy and Simply Check’ awareness campaign that runs through March 2014. The initiative will share knowledge and encourage behaviors that reduce the risk of developing cancer and emphasize the importance of regular screenings to minimize the risk of cancer-related deaths.