MoH stresses importance of early detection of cervical cancer

KUWAIT, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- A senior official at Kuwait's Ministry of Health on Monday affirmed the significance of the early detection of cervical cancer so as to control the disease in its first phases.
Speaking at a news conference, head of media office of Ministry of Health Dr. Ghalia Al-Mutairi said a campaign entitled: "Don't turn your back to cervical cancer" will kick off next month and will run throughout the year.
The campaign aims to raise women awareness on risks and symptoms of the disease, she added.
The ministry is currently considering importing cervical cancer vaccine which is used at the private sector hospitals, she noted.
She pointed out that the campaign coincides with other events that mark World Cancer Day on February 4 and the Gulf Cancer Awareness Week on February 1-7 every year.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdelmohsen Al-Anjari, a consultant for obstetrics and gynaecology, said the total cases diagnosed with cervical cancer in Kuwait has reached 350 over 10 years and 38 cases were detected in 2013.
Only married women are vulnerable to the disease which is caused only through the process of intercourse, he emphasized.
He said the cervical cancer turns slowly into a cancer cell, indicating that the disease can be treated when it is detected early.
He urged necessarily married women to make cervix screening annually.
Dr. Waleed Al-Jassar, a consultant for obstetrics and gynaecology at Kuwait University's Faculty of Medicine, said Kuwait would be amongst the region's countries that imports cervical cancer vaccine.
Providing vaccine to young people will strengthen their immune systems and decrease disease rates, he said.
He stated that Australia gives vaccine to both men and women as males are the transmitters of the disease. (end) nq.hm