Photo used for illustrative purposes only.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Medical practitioners have observed in recent years an improvement in the consciousness of this disease, reported to have become the fourth commonest of uncontrolled cell growths to fatally attack women globally. Respondents to a random survey believe comprehensive campaigns ought to be implemented.

Eighteen-year UAE resident entrepreneur Emy Durmiendo who had re-settled in the Philippines recalled the warmth of Welcare Hospital (Dubai) obstetrician-gynaeocologist “Dr. Khefa” whom she described as well as “very open to second opinion” and who had played a big role in her annual check-ups. Those consultations led to the immediate arrest of Cervical Dysplasia - abnormal cells growth in the cervix. Hence, cancer prevention.

“I miss my annual check-ups with Dr. Khefa. I learnt a lot from her,” she wrote, expressing too, her hope that in due time, sectoral rallies by both government and private institutions against cervical cancer be as colossal as that of breast cancer.

“It is January and I have not seen any campaigns yet. Even in the powerful social media,” Durmiendo stated.

Filbrit Group chief executive officer (CEO) Mayet Malang Evans, community leader Vivien Napenas, Growthinity, Inc. founder/CEO and International Socio-Economic Leadership Congress founding partner Donessa Arbas, and a USA resident who preferred anonymity echoed Durmiendo’s desire for more awareness programmes.

“If there are ongoing efforts to stay informed and continually increase awareness, it instils a sense of confidence that everything is indeed alright,” said Evans, once a Nursing student. Thus, the knowledge and grasp. A great grandmother succumbed to it. That, had “fuelled my keen interest to various types of cancer” and their genetics.

Durmiendo, Evans, Arbas and Napenas are made aware by their readings and research. Napenas had a personal encounter through her mother-in-law’s experience.

Arbas said: “Awareness is key to prevention. With the right information, women will learn how to properly take care of their reproductive system and get alerted when symptoms surface.”

Along with the American citizen whose daughter had been inoculated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), two of the four have been undergoing periodic pap smears.

Aster Hospital (Al Qusais, Dubai)-Department of Surgery and Oncology head Dr. Sivaprakash Rathanaswamy said that cervical cancer cases have yet to be curtailed. It has been increasing since 2020.

“Though the awareness is high among educated and working women, still, there is a lag within the unemployed women who deny early symptoms and screening due to social and financial issues and get diagnosed at advanced stages,” he said.

Door-to-door drives and sit-downs are ways to propagate cervical cancer awareness and action. He also suggested: “Insurance companies should come forward along with health authorities to approve screening and HPV vaccination protocols as per (World Health Organisation) recommendations. Employers should encourage their women employees to get screened regularly.”

Medcare Women & Children Hospital (Dubai) obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr. Sura Thamer opined that “participation in active clinical trials for blood-based cancer screenings must be prioritised.” These are “less invasive” preventive measures. So, fear is diminished.

Prime Hospital Medical Oncology specialist Dr. Arun Karanwal rated the awareness of women, including that of adolescents as a “gradual improvement.” Contributory factors are the parents’ knowledge and preventive concern.

“Many of our patients having other cancers are receptive for the idea of cervical cancer screening and prevention with HPV vaccine. In the last few years, majority of newly-detected patients are getting diagnosed” in stages 1 and 2 “which have very good chances for complete cure with available treatment options,” he said.

NMC Speciality Hospital (Abu Dhabi) Medical Oncology consultant Dr. Cherian Thampy, Karanwal and Rathanaswamy shared successful stories.

From the capital was a Filipina supermarket cashier diagnosed with Stage 3 in June 2020. She had been profusely bleeding. From Dubai was a Filipina mother of two teenagers suffering from “abnormal pre-vaginal bleeding in September 2021. Another was a 39-year-old discovered with Stage 2 after complaining of “post-coital bleeding.” All defeated the cancer and were declared “disease-free and doing well.” They underwent chemoradiation or chemotherapy and radiotherapy.