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Mafraq Hospital has recently launched an awareness campaign to educate young women about Cervical Cancer. Ranked the second most common cancer in the world after breast cancer, it is estimated that approximately 250 women in the United Arab Emirates will die of this disease within the next five years. However, cervical cancer is one of the most easily treated types of cancer- through regular Pap tests this illness can be easily prevented. In an attempt to raise awareness, Mafraq Hospital is confident that this campaign will prevent further suffering for women within the emirate and across the country.
Mafraq Hospital, owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) and managed by Bumrungrad International, has opened a dedicated cervical screening clinic which offers Pap smears and counseling for those seeking advice and answers to questions. Staffed by female doctors, the clinic provides a safe and comfortable environment for those who are apprehensive about seeking help or advice on this topic. The clinic accepts both bookings and walk-in patients.
Pap smears are recommended for women aged 25 to 65 as a reliable screening tool for pre-cancerous cervical disease. Taking no longer than two to three minutes, pap smears detect pre-cancerous changes which, if untreated can slowly develop into cervical cancer. However, physicians in Mafraq Hospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Department report that few patients take full advantage of this painless procedure.
According to Dr. Sangeeta Sabharwal, an accredited Colposcopist through the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and Chairperson of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mafraq Hospital, this is due to a lack of information. She said: “Most of our patients are not aware of the severity of Cervical Cancer, and the importance of regular pap smears. Some are also concerned about the stigma that is so often associated with this disease.” She believes it is important to address the topic with a level of sensitivity as discussions of this nature can be uncomfortable for many of her patients.
Doctors involved in the Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign indicate that one of the most challenging aspects of the project has been to eliminate the stigma that is so strongly associated with cervical cancer. “Cervical cancer is preventable and there is no shame in this disease,” says Dr. Sabharwal.
With HPV vaccinations now available in the UAE, it is expected that awareness will continue to increase. The vaccine is recommended for girls aged nine to 26, and is effective against four strains of HPV. However, patients are cautioned that these vaccinations do not eliminate all risk and that regular Pap smears are still required; physicians advise patients that smoking and certain lifestyle choices can significantly increase the risks of cervical cancer.
Dr. Mohamad Yaman, Chief Medical Officer at Mafraq Hospital reports that with regards to public awareness and regular Pap testing, there is room for growth in the UAE; “We are hopeful that this campaign will generate the awareness and attention that this subject deserves. By working together to educate our patients, I am confident that we will save lives.”
Already Dr. Sabharwal has noted a 50 percent increase in Pap tests performed in her clinic since the beginning of the campaign. She looks forward to continued progress in the fight against cervical cancer and encourages all women to take an active role in their physical wellbeing.
Mafraq Hospital is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for all the curative activities of public hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi. The hospital is managed by Bumrungrad International, one of the most renowned hospital management companies in Asia, recognised internationally for its commitment to patient care and customer service.
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