Cervix Structure and Function
- Cervix is part of the female reproductive system, a small organ made up of strong muscles. located at the lower end of the uterus, acts as a pathway that connects between uterus (womb) and the vagina (birth canal). Plays an important role in female physiological process such as mensuration and childbirth.
What is Cervical Cancer?
- A type of cancer develops in cervix. Grows very slowly and take years to develop. Can invade other organs and spread throughout the body.
- Starts without symptoms, as abnormal changes in the cervix tissues called (pre-cancer cells), if not removed, will grow out of control and form tumors.
- Usually, It takes 15-20 years for pre-cancer cells to become a cancerous, and 5-10 years for women with weakened immune system.
- All women are at risk of developing cervical cancer, and often diagnosed in young women at 30s.
- It’s highly curable if diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Cervical Cancer Facts and Statistics
– Worldwide 2022:
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among them
- Globally, in 2022, about 662,301 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 348,874 women died from the disease.
– Abu Dhabi 2019
- Cervical Cancer is the 6th most common cancer among women in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. According to latest data of Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (DOH)
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection leading risk factor responsible for 95% of cervical cancer cases. (
- Long-term use of contraceptive pills (5 years and more).
- Multiple full-term pregnancies (3 times and more).
- First full-term pregnancy at young age (under 17 years)
- Weakened immune system (due to immunity condition such as AIDs, or use of immune suppressive medicines).
- Family history of cervical cancer (mother, sister, or daughter).
- Smoking tobacco products and exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Age: All women are at risk, but more common in young women at their 30s.
- Overweight and obesity may pose challenges to perform routine cervical screening tests which may cause delayed detection of cancer in early stages.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
- Cervical cancer shows no symptoms at early stages, and usually tend to appear when the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding/spotting (between periods, after intercourse, after menopause).
- Longer and heavier periods.
- Unusual vaginal discharges.
- Persistent pain in pelvis, legs, and back.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite.
- Swelling in legs.
- Symptoms may be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer. Regardless, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider immediately if any noticed to get a proper diagnosis.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
1. Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection (main cause of cervical cancer)
- Safe and effective way to protect women from cervical cancer and other types of cancer caused by HPV.
- Females aged 13 to 26 years recommended to be vaccinated against HPV.
- The vaccine is given once in a lifetime, through scheduled series of 2 - 3 injections.
- Abu Dhabi Efforts: Ongoing vaccination campaigns against HPV infection for school-age students at (Grade 8/year 8) males and females in all public and private schools in Abu Dhabi as part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) (School Vaccination) provided by Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Center. The student shall receive two doses of the vaccine if under the age of 15, and three doses if aged 15 years or older.
2. Regular Screening (Pap Smear Test)
- Regular cervical screenings help detect cervical cancer at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival rates by up to 90%.
- All women aged 26 to 65 years who meet eligibility criteria of the test, recommended to have a regular Pap Smear Test every 3 – 5 years or as directed by the doctor, regardless of whether received HPV vaccination.
- Abu Dhabi Efforts: Regular screening tests necessary for early detection of cervical cancer available to women in Abu Dhabi (Thiqa-card holders) through the Periodic Comprehensive Screening Program (IFHAS).
3. Avoid tobacco products and exposure to passive smoking.
Awareness Materials: