Emirati women ahead in cancer awareness
abu dhabi — 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. 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 precancer 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
The peculiarity with this disease is that it has a very slow progression. Some develop cancer and most don’t. The pre-cancer stage lasts between 10 to 15 years.” Dr Anju Mary Varughese, specialist, Ahalia Hospital,Abu Dhabi
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