Emirati women ahead in cancer awareness

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Emirati women ahead in cancer awareness

Abu Dhabi - 40 per cent women take regular pap tests but expats are largely unaware of the cancer.

by

Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Mon 22 May 2017, 1:02 PM

Last updated: Mon 22 May 2017, 3:10 PM

Cervical cancer, if untreated, can be fatal. It is also the most common type of cancer after breast cancer. It is also 100 per cent preventable if detected in the pre-cancer stage.
While there is a greater level of awareness among Emirati women, expats show a lacklustre attitude ?towards early screening, an Abu Dhabi-based doctor told Khaleej Times.


All you need is a 10-minute pap smear testIt is a known fact that cervical cancer is 100 per cent preventable if detected in the pre-cancer stage. However, women lack awareness about the need for early screening to prevent it from affecting the quality of life. The 10-minute pap smear test costs only Dh190.
Talking about other costs, Dr Anju Mary Varughese, obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, Ahalia Hospital, said: "If pap test shows problems then we need to do human pappilomavirus (HVP) testing. This has to be repeated every three years. There are more than 100 types of HVP virus. We need to check for virus and if it's positive then treatment follows. The HVP test costs Dh850 to Dh900. It is not covered in everyone's insurance."
10 breast cancer cases detected
Ten cases of malignant breast cancer have been detected during the 7th Pink Caravan breast cancer awareness campaign held in March.
Dr Anju Mary Varughese, obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, Ahalia Hospital, told Khaleej Times about 40 per cent women take regular pap tests but expats are largely unaware of the cancer.
"Emirati women are always particular about tests and follow-ups," she said, adding that, however, a great deal more has to be done to save lives.
Citing a case of negligence among expats, Anju said: "One ?patient's pap test showed an abnormality. I had advised her to go for further testing but she ignored it. She returned after two years with bleeding and was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Then, only radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are left as options."
Stressing the need for early screening, Dr Varughese said: "The peculiarity with this disease is that it has a very slow progression. Some develop the cancer and most don't. The pre-cancer stage lasts between 10 to 15 years. The pap test helps to find an infected person in the pre-cancer stage. Effective treatment and frequent follow-ups will help save lives."
The Health Authority Abu Dhabi understands the seriousness of the disease and has taken very important steps.
"Human papilloma virus vaccine is given free to students aged 15-17 at Abu Dhabi's public and private schools." Anju commended the initiatives taken by the UAE government, which has made the expensive pap test free for citizens.
According to a recent survey, cervical cancer is also one of the most common causes of cancer deaths.
"About 85 per cent of these deaths were in developing countries."
Talking about the symptoms, Anju said: "Early stages are completely asymptomatic and that's why it is important to go for a pap smear screening. Some symptoms are bleeding abnormalities during or in between periods, postcoital bleeding that happens immediately after sexual intercourse and foul smelling watery or pus-like discharge."
Elaborating on pap smear test, Anju said: "The norm followed is that women aged 25 onwards take regular tests every three years, till the age of 50. After that, they need to come in every five years up to the age of 65. High-risk sexual practices are the most common cause of cervical cancer. Having more than one sexual partner or if your partner has more partners, the risk is high. The second is when they have been using oral contraceptive pills for more than five years. Multiparity, i.e., having more than three children can also be a cause. It is rare among unmarried women," the doctor said.
Having been at the hospital for the last four years, the doctor said: "I have seen one or two cases every month in the pre-cancer stage. At a later stage, the prognosis is worse and can be fatal. The most common cause of death is renal failure and profuse bleeding, infection and metastasis. It's better to do a regular screening than be sorry. It takes just 10 minutes of your life."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com


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