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The two leaders reviewed various aspects of the longstanding bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of trade and investment
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Inoculation of Schoolgirls Against Cervical Cancer Being Looked into
DUBAI - The UAE Health Ministry is studying the feasibility of inoculating schoolgirls against cervical cancer, according to a senior health official.
The official said that the ministry was working out a plan to include the vaccine — which has been advocated by local doctors for years — in its National Immunisation Programme.
“At this point, we are studying the prevalence and incidents of cervical cancer in the UAE, as well as the possible side effects of the vaccine,” said Dr Emad Al Karim, Consultant and Head of Vaccinology Department at the ministry.
The Abu Dhabi Health Authority started offering three doses of the vaccine Gardasil, free of cost, to UAE national schoolgirls two years ago.
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a strain of human papilloma virus (HPV) that can infect cells on the skin. High-risk HPVs can cause cancer and can also be passed on from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.
Doctors who have been pushing for the vaccine welcomed the news saying that inoculation is one way of preventing the spread of cervical cancer that has increased 10 folds since the 90s.
“In 1998, we saw only 8-9 cases per year. Now there are between 80 and 90 reported, out of which 80 per cent are in the advanced stage,” said Dr Saad Aswad, Senior Consultant and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Tawam Hospital.
The vaccine, alongside regular screening, is 97 per cent effective in preventing cancer especially if administered at the age of 15, he said. Dr Aswad also said that there is a severe lack of knowledge among patients and doctors. “People know about breast cancer, but knowledge about cervical cancer is really low,” he said.
“Perhaps it is because of the culture in the Middle East or perhaps it is because cervical cancer has no symptoms, but more attention needs to be given to this disease and its preventative measures,” commented Dr Waleed Al Jassar, Assistant Professor of Gynaecology Oncology from the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University at the ongoing Middle East Obs-Gyne Congress being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In 2007, 21 women in the UAE died of cervical cancer, according to statistics released by the health ministry.
“Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second biggest cause of female cancer mortality and counts for about 288,000 deaths per year — 21 women in the UAE alone died of cervical cancer in 2007,” Dr Muna El Kuwari, Director of Primary Healthcare at the ministry told the symposium.
“Worldwide, it is also the second most common cancer in women aged between 15-45 and the third leading cause of cancer death among women, after breast and lung cancer. With the advent of vaccines against cervical cancer, we now have powerful new tools to reduce cervical cancer and save women’s lives.”
A pap smear test takes only five minutes and the results are out in a week, said Dr Aswad. “Upon receiving timely treatment, women have recovered from the cancer and have also had children,” he added.
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