Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology at Women Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC), Dr. Afaf Al Ansari.
Doha: Early detection and advanced treatment techniques have significantly improved cancer care and survival rates for women in Qatar, according to Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology at Women Wellness and Research Centre (WWRC), Dr. Afaf Al Ansari.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Dr. Al Ansari, the first and only Qatari consultant specialised in gynecologic oncology at WWRC, emphasised that early diagnosis plays a vital role in saving lives.
“When we detect cancer early, the cure rate is about 90%. Often, only a simple surgery is required, and there is no need for extensive procedures,” said Dr. Al Ansari.
She added, “For example, with early cervical cancer, we may only remove a small part of the cervix instead of the entire uterus.”
According to Dr. Al Ansari, treatment options in Qatar have become more robust in recent years. “Surgeries are now often done laparoscopically or as minimally invasive surgeries instead of large open operations,” she said.
“We also perform robotic surgeries, which allow for precise tissue dissection and biopsy collection. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have improved as well, and new modalities like targeted therapy, gene therapy, and immunomodulator therapy are available.”
Thanks to these advances, women diagnosed at advanced stages are seeing better outcomes.
“Previously, stage 3 survival rates were as low as 30–40%, but they have improved to around 60%, which is a significant advancement,” Dr. Al Ansari said.
Gynecological cancers are relatively common in Qatar, with endometrial (uterine) cancer ranking as the third most common cancer among women.
“If we focus only on gynecological cancers, the most common is endometrial cancer, followed by ovarian and cervical cancer,” Dr. Al Ansari said. “The incidence for endometrial cancer is about 48%, ovarian around 30%, and cervical 23%.”
To raise awareness and encourage preventive action, WWRC organises an annual Gynecological Cancer Awareness Campaign every January.
The three-day programme includes educational activities at the Women’s Wellness and Research Center and the National Cancer Center.
“During this awareness campaign, we distribute information about the most common symptoms, how to prevent cancer, and when women should seek medical advice,” she said. “We focus on prevention and early detection because they play key roles in cancer control. If we can prevent or diagnose cancer early, it helps in achieving better treatment outcomes and higher cure rates.”
Dr. Al Ansari highlighted two key forms of prevention, which are primary and secondary. “Primary prevention is preventing cancer before it happens, and secondary prevention is detecting it early so it can be treated before it progresses,” she said.
She stressed the importance of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, which prevents cancers caused by the virus, such as cervical, anorectal, and oropharyngeal cancers. “The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally between the ages of 11 and 13. If missed at that age, it can still be taken up to age 45,” she said. “The vaccine is available at all Primary Health Care Centers and is free of charge.”
Dr. Al Ansari also underscored the value of genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer. “High-risk clinics and genetic clinics can assess risk factors and perform testing, particularly for breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, as they are genetically related,” she said.
“If someone tests positive, doctors can plan preventive strategies or even perform prophylactic surgeries to reduce the risk.”
Obesity and type 2 diabetes also significantly increase the risk of uterine cancer and negatively impact the outcomes of other gynecological cancers as well.
Cervical cancer remains the only gynecological cancer with an established screening test. “The Pap smear is a simple test available at primary health centers. If abnormal, it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it indicates the need for closer follow-up,” she said.
Dr. Al Ansari urged women to be alert to changes in their bodies. “The first warning sign is vaginal bleeding, especially around or after menopause. Any bleeding after 12 months of no periods is abnormal and should be checked,” she said.
Other signs may include bloating, abdominal distension, feeling full quickly, or unintentional weight gain. “These can be symptoms of ovarian disease and should not be ignored. Many people mistake them for irritable bowel syndrome, but it’s important to get checked first,” she advised.
She also recommended that all women between the ages of 25 and 65, whether married, divorced, or widowed, should undergo regular cervical cancer screening.
Concluding her message, Dr. Al Ansari urged women to take charge of their health. “Take the initiative for your own health care,” she said. “Without a woman taking responsibility for her own health, nothing else can move forward because she is the foundation of her family.”
Her five key messages were clear: Get the HPV vaccine, for yourself, your sons, and your daughters; go for cervical cancer screening (Pap smear); adopt a healthy life style, as it can reduce the risk of uterine cancer; ask about genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer, and seek medical advice immediately if you experience any abnormal symptoms.
“Don’t wait - act now,” Dr. Al Ansari emphasised. “Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Early action can save your life.”
