Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is urging women to get screened regularly for cervical cancer, a type of gynaecological cancer, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Cervical cancer is highly treatable if detected early and is also associated with strong survival rates and good quality of life but can only be identified through screening tests. Screening for gynaecological cancers is available on demand in all primary healthcare centres across the country. It involves a simple bedside test that does not require any advance preparation or anaesthesia.
“Cervical cancer is the third most common type of women’s cancers and it is the second cause of deaths among women worldwide after breast cancer. But the cancer is highly preventable in most developed countries because screening tests ensure early detection and immediate treatment and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections is available. A screening test every three years will assist in identifying any cell abnormalities that could develop into cancer in future, and in detecting cancer where it exists,” said Dr Afaf al- Ansari, senior consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at HMC.
She added that throughout this month, which is the Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, HMC will be supporting Globe-athon - a worldwide movement that aims to build community awareness of cancers affecting women.
“During this month, HMC will be raising awareness of different types of gynaecological cancers such as uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers, which were among the top 10 cancers affecting women in Qatar. The hospital will also be educating women about the importance of screening in early detection and treatment of gynaecological cancers,” Dr al-Ansari said.
“The most important thing women can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests starting at age 21. In addition, HPV vaccine is also available if women would like to ensure extra protection against cervical cancer,” Dr al-Ansari noted.
“Early on, cervical cancer may not cause any signs and symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge that is not normal, such as bleeding after sexual relations. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor,” explained Dr Hind El Malik, consultant, Medical Oncology at HMC’s National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
Cervical cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, target (biological) therapy and radiation therapy. But advanced cancers can be difficult to treat.
Following the launch of the National Cancer Strategy for Qatar in 2011, HMC has established a streamlined cancer patient pathway to ensure that all cases of suspicion of cancer are referred within 48 hours to a specialist cancer clinic.
