UAE’s cervical cancer cases have seen ‘dramatic drop’ due to proactive measures, says doctor – News

Cervical cancer is among the main causes of dying amongst girls within the UAE



By SM Ayaz Zakir

Published: Sat 15 Jan 2022, 4:34 PM

January is cervical cancer consciousness month, and the UAE is doing its half to present excessive-finish oncology care companies within the nation with the assistance of the UAE National Cancer Registry (UAE-NCR).

Over the previous few years, the nation has seen an enormous decline in cervical cancer, with new cases dropping from 81 in 2015 to simply 38 in 2017.

The examine was carried out by Dr Humaid Alshamsi, director of oncology at VPS healthcare, president of Emirates Oncology Society and oncology professor at University of Sharjah. He attributed the decline in cervical cancer cases to common screening, well timed prognosis and HPV vaccination.

What is cervical cancer?

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Alshamsi mentioned that cervical cancer, which falls below gynaecological cancers, happens within the cells of the cervix.

“The frequent reason behind cervical cancer is due to the publicity to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted an infection,” he mentioned. “Usually, the physique’s immune system prevents the HPV from doing any hurt. However, in some cases, the virus survives for years and develops as cancer.”

In the early phases, there will not be any noticeable signs. But because the cancer develops, Dr Alshamsi mentioned sufferers might expertise vaginal bleeding, discharge or ache within the pelvic muscle.

Raising consciousness is step one

Treatment is set based mostly on a number of components, such because the severity of the cancer and different well being issues.

“If the prognosis is made within the early stage, often a surgical procedure will be useful. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy are the frequent therapy modalities, with the latter two for treating superior stage cervical cancers,” mentioned Dr Alshamsi.

Dr Alshamsi additionally suggested residents to create consciousness about cervical cancer and careworn the significance of teaching the general public concerning the danger of sexually transmitted ailments.

VPS Healthcare Hospitals have been conducting a number of actions to increase consciousness, which incorporates screening and a vaccination marketing campaign.

“We want to encourage dad and mom to vaccinate their daughters towards the cervical cancer in the event that they’re between 15 to 26 years of age. Also, the general public wants to concentrate on the indicators and signs of cervical cancer,” Dr Alshamsi mentioned.

Screening procedures

The frequency for repeat screening may fluctuate from girl to girl. Dr Alshamsi mentioned each three years is really useful for symptom-free girls between 25 to 49 years and each 5 years for girls between 50 to 65 years.

“Women who’re immunocompromised due to a illness or treatment should have annual screening,” Alshamsi mentioned.

Papanicolaou check (additionally referred to as a pap check) is used for screening. Liquid based mostly cytology (LBC) is the accepted normal technique for pap check specimen assortment. Both are collected from the cervix through the gynaecological examination.

Drop in cases

In addition to common screening and proactive measures, Dr Alshamsi mentioned the provision of the HPV vaccine has helped cut back the variety of cervical cancer cases within the UAE.

“As per a modern examine revealed by the Burjeel Cancer Institute, the cases have dropped dramatically,” he mentioned.

The drop in cases is sweet information for the nation, as Alshamsi famous that cervical cancer is among the main causes of dying amongst girls within the UAE.

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“Vaccines may also help avert the chance of getting cancer,” he mentioned. “So, it is extremely advisable that ladies get the vaccine.”

Since 2008, the UAE started offering free HPV vaccination for feminine college students in Grade 11 throughout all colleges within the area. Thanks to the success of this drive, the vaccination programme expanded to different younger girls aged between 18 and 26.

Taking cervical cancer prevention one step additional, the Department of Health (DOH) carried out the screening programme for cervical cancer in the identical 12 months.



https://www.khaleejtimes.com/well being/uaes-cervical-cancer-cases-have-seen-dramatic-drop-due-to-proactive-measures-says-doctor

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