Cervical cancer ranks third in Kuwait among ages 15 to 44
• Dr. Noura Al-Ibrahim stated that the HPV vaccine is available free of charge at all Kuwaiti government hospitals for both women and men aged nine to 45, and emphasized that early detection through screenings improves recovery chances and prevents cervical cancer.
Dr. Noura Al-Ibrahim, a specialist in gynecological oncology surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery, emphasized the importance of cervical cancer awareness in reducing the number of cases in Kuwait, according to Al Jarida newspaper.
Ibrahim, in a statement to the newspaper on the occasion of Uterine Cancer Awareness Month in January, noted that cervical cancer ranks fourth globally and third in Kuwait among individuals aged 15 to 44.
She added that 99 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, emphasizing that the best way to prevent infection is by receiving the HPV vaccine, which is the most advanced method for protection.
She explained that the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer, is available free of charge at all government hospitals in Kuwait for both women and men aged nine to 45, to prevent transmission between spouses.
Ibrahim highlighted that the cure rate for cervical cancer is high in its early stages, making periodic screenings and early detection essential for preventing the disease or identifying it early for better recovery chances.
Regarding the symptoms, Ibrahim stated that in the early stages, microscopic changes often go unnoticed by women. As the condition progresses, women may experience hormonal changes, irregular menstrual cycles, bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and swelling in the legs.
She advised the importance of early screenings to prevent this serious disease, which can lead to death in advanced cases that do not respond to treatment due to delayed intervention. She stressed that, despite its severity, cervical cancer is preventable through early and regular screenings and by receiving the protective vaccine against the virus that causes the disease.
