Cervical Health (Screening & HPV Vaccinations)

Cervical Health (Screening & HPV Vaccinations)

Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and is located at the top of the vagina. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and, for some women, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). We are proud that Danat Al Emarat is consider an accredited cervical cancer screening center in Abu Dhabi by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH).

How is the screening done?
Cervical cancer screening includes the Pap test and, for some women, an HPV test. Both tests use cells taken from the cervix. The screening process is simple and fast. The woman lies on an exam table and cells are removed from the cervix with a brush or other sampling instrument. The cells usually are put into a special liquid and sent to a laboratory for testing:

• For a Pap test, the sample is examined to see if abnormal cells are present.
• For an HPV test, the sample is tested for the presence of 13–14 of the most common high-risk HPV types.

How often should the screening be done?
As per recommendations of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, women should undergo cervical cancer screening as per below guidelines.

Is cervical cancer preventable?
There are two vaccines that prevent infection with HPV. Two types of vaccines are available at Danat Al Emarat, and both are approved by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH). HPV vaccines prevent more than 70% of cervical cancer. In addition, DOH recommends that all women aged 25 – 65 undergo regular screenings as mentioned above.
Why is HPV vaccine important?
HPV is a very common virus. Up to 8 out of 10 women will be infected by HPV at some point in their lives. Infection is common in women under the age of 25. For most women, HPV goes away on its own without causing problems. However, for some women, HPV infections persist and can cause cervical cancer and other less common cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva.

Who should get the vaccine?
DOH has approved the HPV vaccine for girls and young women from age 13 – 26 years of age. Studoies have shown that immunogenicity of the vaccine is higher when administered at a younger age, therefore each girl is encouraged to take the vaccine as early as possible, during adolescence, and some years before marriage.

How is the vaccine administered?
The vaccine is administered by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. The vaccine is given once per lifetime, in 3 doses over a 6 month period or 2 doses over a 12 month period (depends on the type of vaccine).