(MENAFN- The Peninsula) In Qatar different types of gynaecological cancers such as uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers, are among the top 10 cancers affecting women, according to the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Gynaecological cancers often affect younger women in Qatar from different nationalities and they are advised to begin screening starting at the age of 21 to prevent cervical cancer.
HMC has urged women to get screened regularly for cervical cancer - a type of gynaecological cancer, which is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) € to enable early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Cervical cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed 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 health care centres across the country.
Cervical cancer may not cause any signs and symptoms, which is why screening is so important.
"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's Women's Hospital (WH).
She added that throughout this month, which is the Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, the WH will be supporting Globe-athon - a worldwide movement that aims to build community awareness of cancers affecting women.
"During this month, WH 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 gynecological 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, the HPV vaccine is also available if women would like to ensure extra protection against cervical cancer caused by HPV infection by up to 90 percent," Dr Al Ansari noted. "This vaccine is best to be taken before marriage or at a younger age. Although, any woman who has the vaccine still needs to have regular screening in order to ensure they are protected against all types of HPV viruses."
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.
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