Obs-Gyne Exhibition and Congress speakers tackle cervical cancer vaccine issues and encourage advocacy

National and international obstetricians and gynecologists are participating at the event that runs until 03 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.

The conference also marks the first time Professor Suzanne Garland, a leading clinical microbiologist in Australia, presented in the UAE. Professor Garland is well known for her research on infectious diseases, having been involved in clinical trials of antivirals and vaccines globally.

Perhaps one of the most important prevention topics discussed during the conference was presented by Professor Garland regarding the quadrivalent cervical cancer vaccine.

Professor Suzanne Garland said:

"Cervical cancer can affect anyone, probably with very tragic consequences. Worldwide, every two minutes a woman dies of cervical cancer! The lack of awareness regarding this disease shows how little the public is informed. Many people present for the first time with late stage disease whereas vaccines are now available and provide a means to preventing cervical cancer."

Currently, 5 per 100,000 women in the Middle East and 9 per 100,000 in the UAE are affected by cervical cancer, the second largest cancer among women and leading cause of infertility. In the UAE, the country's Cancer Registry Program revealed that the annual average of the reported cervical cancer cases has tripled in 2005 when compared with that from 1998-2004.

Consistently, worldwide 70% cervical cancer is caused by strains 16 and 18 of the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are vaccines that target this virus and can prevent cervical cancer in women. In addition, the quadrivalent vaccine is protective against 90% of genital warts, most of which are caused by strains 6 and 11 of the virus. These are difficult to treat, are common, and cause high psychosocial burden. Indeed, the UAE Ministry of Health is studying the need and feasibility of introducing a National Cervical Cancer Screening program.

The main goal of the presentations today was to educate healthcare professionals and provide them with the tools and information they need to become advocates for cervical cancer prevention within their own communities.