Dr. Shifa Al-Ahmad, an expert in obstetrics and gynecology, confirmed that cervical cancer is among the most dangerous cancers affecting women worldwide, describing it as a “silent cancer” due to the absence of clear symptoms in its early stages.
Late Detection and Treatment Challenges
Dr. Al-Ahmad explained that most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which makes treatment more difficult and significantly impacts survival rates. She pointed out that medical research has proven human papillomavirus (HPV) to be the primary cause of the disease.
Early Warning Signs Not to Ignore
According to Dr. Al-Ahmad, women often dismiss the early warning signs of cervical cancer, such as:
Bleeding between menstrual cycles
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
She emphasized: “These symptoms may seem minor, but they are dangerous indicators that require immediate medical evaluation.”
Screening: The First Line of Defense
Dr. Al-Ahmad stressed that regular screening through the Pap smear test is the first line of defense against cervical cancer. She highlighted that adherence to this screening from the age of 21 to 65 significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease or allowing it to progress unnoticed.
Vaccination: A Preventive Revolution
The doctor underlined the importance of the HPV vaccine, describing it as a “preventive revolution.” Scientific studies have shown that it greatly lowers the risk of cervical cancer, particularly when administered at an early age.
The Role of Healthy Lifestyle
Dr. Al-Ahmad also emphasized the role of a healthy lifestyle in prevention. Factors such as:
Balanced nutrition
Regular physical activity
Avoiding smoking
all strengthen the immune system and reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.
Alarming Global Figures
She pointed out that the latest global statistics revealed that around 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2022, while nearly 350,000 women died from the disease in the same year—figures that highlight the devastating impact of this “silent killer.”
Final Message
Dr. Shifa Al-Ahmad concluded:
“The most important message I want to send to every woman is this: do not wait for symptoms. Early screening and vaccination are simple steps that can save lives. Cervical cancer is preventable and beatable if we face it at the right time.”
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