During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, M42 companies, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children and HealthPlus Family Clinics have launched a call to discuss preventative measures and screenings to protect against cervical cancer, specifically targeting women ages 25 to 65 years.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer found in women. That said, it is both preventable and one of the most easily treatable cancers when diagnosed early.
Cervical cancer develops very slowly and occurs when cells in the cervix begin to multiply uncontrollably.
Due to the cancer only producing mild symptoms, it can often be overlooked, but with more aggressive forms of the cancer, patients experience pain in the pelvis, increased discharge, and irregular bleeding.
Encouraging early screening, Dr. Neha Gami, Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology at HealthPlus Family Health Center Clinic, said: “Early detection of cervical cancer is key to successful treatment. We recommend that women aged 25 to 65 years undergo screenings once every three to five years depending on their age.”
“While cervical cancer takes 10 to 20 years to develop, early detection can help determine the course of treatment. Therefore, women must consider screening every 3 years to ensure they catch the disease before it matures. It is best to speak to your gynecologist or family physician to understand the best testing options for you.”
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged between 11 and 15, but it can be given up to the age of 26 in selected women.
The vaccine is also effective in reducing the probability of contracting an HPV infection, which increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer and other related health complications.
Dr. Merlyne Robis, Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children commented: “While women’s health has improved over the years, the importance of screening for cervical cancer remains overlooked. Screening can detect precursors and early-stage diseases of cervical cancer. It is a highly preventable disease that often goes under the radar due to poor awareness. Early detection and treatment of precursors and early-stage disease can prevent the development of invasive cervical cancer and reduce cervical cancer mortality. This is something we are trying to tackle at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children.”
“It is highly recommended that women take advantage of available preventative measures to ensure that they are maintaining good health and are receiving routine cervical cancer screenings. These tests are conducted by gynecologists and family physicians and are offered by most healthcare facilities,” added Dr. Robis.
Both Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children and HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers provide cervical cancer screenings and are running educational awareness campaigns and webinars in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.