DUBAI // A bus offering information and advice about cervical cancer will tour Dubai in coming weeks to educate women about the disease, which has become almost as prevalent as breast cancer. The information bus is a joint programme of the Emirates Cervicare Network, the Ministry of Health and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The bus will take to the streets around the emirate, including inner city locations.
The number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in increasing rapidly in the UAE, according to doctors. However, it is one of the few types that, with proper screening and treatment, is preventable. Screening is offered at hospitals across the country, and a vaccine has been widely available since 2007. Beman Yones Barham, the communications and marketing manager for the RTA, said: "We are pleased to be part of such a serious and worthy cause.
"The burden of cervical cancer is huge. It affects many women in the prime of their lives, often while they are working or still responsible for children. Furthermore, the combined social, economic and emotional burden of cervical cancer is significant as it touches the lives of those depending on these mothers, as well as the women themselves." According to the World Health Organisation, there are 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer a year, and nearly 250,000 deaths worldwide. Cervical cancer, which is caused by the human papillomavirus, has been called a "silent killer" because it grows slowly, often over many years, and is largely without symptoms until it has advanced to a stage where treatment is difficult. It can start developing in girls as young as 13.
munderwood@thenational.ae