Gynecological Cancer Awareness month: Webinar held to raise awareness in Oman

Muscat: On occasion of the Gynecological Cancer Awareness month, the Gynecological Cancer Programme team at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center (SQCCCRC) organised an online webinar, titled “Integrated care of gynecological Cancers”.

Gynecological Cancer Awareness month is observed throughout the world in the month of September, with the aim to raise awareness about the common, but often neglected cancers. Gynecological cancers account for the 5th most common form of cancer.

Although cancers are common worldwide, the mortality is disproportionately higher in the low and middle-income countries. The aim of the meeting was to raise awareness amongst the general practitioners, gynecologists and medical students, about the common gynecological cancers, methods of prevention, diagnosis, and management in Oman.

More than 80 participants attended the online webinar. Dr Ikram Burney, Senior Consultant of Medical Oncology at SQCCCRC moderated the session, welcomed the guests, and introduced the speakers. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ms Hajar Al Zahaibi shared the statistics of Cancer of the uterine cervix worldwide and in Oman, and explained how Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) produces a state of inflammation, which in some individuals can lead to cancer of the cervix.

Dr Sarya Bella, Senior Specialist Gynecological Oncology at SQCCCRC described screening tests used for early detection of the cancer or its precursors. She explained the indication and procedure of colposcopy, and the use of HPV vaccines for prevention of cervical cancer.

She concluded by sharing the World Health Organisation’s guidelines, targeting prevention, screening and treatment strategies and goals for eradicating the disease.

Dr Ana Paula Galerani-Lopes Consultant- Radiation Oncology, described the risk factors and ‘Red-flag’ symptoms of the three major types of gynecological Cancers; Cervical, Uterine and the Ovarian Cancers. She stressed on the need of accurate history, detailed physical examination and early referral, especially if a woman presents with abnormal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, persistent pain in the lower abdomen, and unexplained weight loss. She highlighted the importance of knowing the family history of cancer.

Brief descriptions by the speakers was followed by a question and an answer session.