Around 100 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UAE.
It’s the silent killer no one likes to talk about.
But every year, approximately 30 women in the UAE will die from cervical cancer, mostly because it has been detected too late.
However, when caught early, the disease can be treated – which is why we need to start speaking up. And this month, one hospital is making it a whole lot easier to do exactly that.
Throughout May and June, women can book in a free (yes, FREE) gynaecologist consultation and Pap test at Zulekha Hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah.
Read more:
The Health Checks You Should Get In Your 20s, 30s, 40s And 50s
The UAE Is Missing This Cancer-Cutting Move, Doctor Warns
“Cervical cancer can affect as many as 93 women across the UAE every year,” said Zanubia Shams, co-chairperson of Zulekha Hospitals.
“The number of fatal cases among these can be as high as 28.
“For a disease that can be easily prevented and eradicated through regular screening and vaccinations, we have made it our goal to reach as many women in the Emirates as possible.”
The initiative is now in its fourth year, with more than 1400 women taking advantage of the free consultations in 2016. The long-term aim is to completely eradicate cervical cancer from the UAE.
Remember, all women should start getting Pap tests at age 21, and every three years after that. So if you’ve been putting it off, there’s no excuse to delay any longer.
How can you book in your free appointment? Couldn’t be easier. Register on the website here, or call 600 52 4442.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most commonly experienced cervical cancer symptom. Women should be aware of bleeding after sex, bleeding after douching, heavy periods, heavy spotting between periods, or an additional period during the monthly cycle. Any heavy, sudden onset of abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported to your physician immediately.
- Persistent pelvic pain unrelated to other conditions like menstruation or physical exertion.
- Continuous vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling.
- Pain during sex.
Image: Getty
