By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: Three types of gynaecological cancers were diagnosed in 108 women in Qatar in 2013, and most were at a later stage of the disease, according to a senior health expert.
Around 1,180 women were screened and majority of those diagnosed with the illness had endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, Dr Afaf Al Ansari, Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women’s Hospital, told this daily yesterday.
“There are other types of gynaecological cancers like vaginal cancer and fallopian tube cancer, which is very rare,” she said.
Many women seek medical care at later stages of gynaecological cancers due to lack of awareness, especially about ovarian cancer. Worldwide gynaecological cancer represents 19 percent of all types of cancer among women.
“Women come at the late stage of gynaecological cancer, especially ovarian cancer.
This is because most of the time either they are not aware of the symptoms, or are scared of the disease,” said Dr Ansari.
“Worldwide they call the ovarian cancer as the silent killer, because usually when we diagnose the disease, it is very late. A simple ultrasound can detect it,” she said.
Ovarian cancer occurs more frequently in women who ovulate more, thus those who never have children are at increased risk.
Other risk factors include hormone disorder after menopause, fertility medication, smoking and obesity. Also 20 percent of ovarian cysts might have the risk of cancer.
“Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are frequently absent in early stages and when they exist they may be subtle. Most typical symptoms include bloating, and abdominal or pelvic pain.
“Some gynaecological cancers are preventable, but for ovarian cancer early diagnose is important, because there is no specific methods of prevention,” said Dr Ansari.
“However, cervical cancer is the only disease for which some prevention is possible with early screening, and taking HPV vaccine,” she added.
Endometrial cancer shows early symptoms such as abnormal pain and abnormal bleeding, and an early diagnose can help in treatment. Treatments often include some combination of surgery or chemotherapy.
“Taking oral contraceptive pills might induce some cancers, but not all. Contraceptive pills sometimes have beneficial effects on the endometrial cancer; they can protect women from getting endometrial cancer. But they have bad effects on the breasts,” Dr Ansari said, adding every woman is at the risk of gynaecological cancer which is more related to hormones.
“Most women think they won’t get gynaecological cancer, if they show any symptoms, they must undergo screening,” said Dr Ansari.
Screening for gynaecological caner is available at primary healthcare centres and anyone suspected with the illness is checked at Women’s Hospital within 48 hours.
The Peninsula
