Prevent Our Future Generation – Prevent Cervical Cancer!

Cervical Health Awareness Month highlights HPV, cervical cancer risk in UAE women, and how early HPV vaccination helps protect future generations.

Get informed!

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal), and often develops slowly over many years.

When cells in the cervix change abnormally, a process called dysplasia, they may start to grow in an uncontrolled way. If these abnormal cells are not treated, they can turn into cancer and spread deeper into the cervix and nearby tissues.

As cervical cancer grows, women may notice:

vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause

menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual.

watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy or have a strong odor

pelvic or lower back pain

The viral cause: HPV

Cervical cancer is strongly linked to infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus passed on mainly through sexual contact. Until HPV vaccines became available, most sexually active people were likely to be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, although in many cases the immune system cleared the virus without it causing problems. Today, widespread HPV vaccination offers the chance for future generations to be much less exposed to HPV and, in turn, to have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer.

There are more than 200 types of HPV (human papillomavirus). Many HPVs are skin types, meaning they invade and live in cells on the skin. They can cause warts on top of the skin in areas such as hands, feet, arms, and legs.

Mucosal HPV types invade and live in cells on mucosal surfaces. Mucous or mucosal membranes are moist surface layers that line organs and parts of the body that open to the outside, such as the vagina, anus, or cervix, but also parts of the penis. They are also called genital HPV types.

Mucosal or genital HPV types are further broken down into low-risk and high-risk types, depending on their ability to cause cancer. There are 12 high-risk HPV types: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. Two of these, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

How HPV Leads to Cancer

If high‑risk HPV infection persists over many years, it can cause abnormal precancerous changes in cervical cells. Without treatment, some of these precancerous cells can slowly progress to cancer, a process that often takes 15–20 years but may be faster in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV.

Factors that can increase the chance of progression include the HPV type, immune status, co‑existing sexually transmitted infections, number of pregnancies, young age at first pregnancy, long‑term hormonal contraceptive use, and smoking.

How Common is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer remains a major health problem in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. It is the sixth most common cancer in women in the region, with 50% of reported cases in women living in the UAE aged between 35 and 55.

Many women in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region are still diagnosed at a late stage and the risk of dying from the disease is high. Death rates are higher in low‑ and middle‑income countries than in high‑income countries, where screening and vaccination programs are more widely available.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region overall, at least half of women diagnosed with cervical cancer die from the disease, reflecting limited access to prevention, early detection, and timely treatment.

How to prevent cervical cancer in 2026 ?

Vaccination against HPV can prevent most cervical cancers, especially when given before the start of sexual activity. Commonly used vaccines such as Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9 all protect against high‑risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause the majority of cervical cancer cases.

The World Health Organization announced that 200 million doses of these vaccines had been given since 2006, and the outcome shows the vaccine’s safety record, with no adverse effects. However, despite the safety and availability of vaccination, cultural taboos and a lack of vaccine acceptance hinder the protection of the future generation.

It is important to understand, that HPV vaccination does not cover all virus types, and that cervical cancer can develop in rare cases despite vaccination. Cervical cancer screening should therefore not omitted, but is an addition to stay safe.

Cervical Cancer Awareness in UAE

A recent study from the United Arab Emirates suggest that many young women still have limited knowledge about HPV, cervical cancer, and the benefits of vaccination and screening. Common gaps include not knowing how HPV is transmitted, low awareness of the Pap smear as a screening test, and uncertainty or hesitancy about receiving the HPV vaccine.

A questionnaire was distributed to women aged 18 to 26 designed to assess their understanding and thoughts on cervical cancer, HPV, and vaccination.

Of the 269 respondents, only 6% had attended awareness programs, and

11% reported having read any information leaﬂet.

78% of respondents did not know how HPV infection occurs, and

less than 40% believed cervical cancer is preventable.

75% of respondents had not heard about the Papanicolaou smear test used for regular cervical cancer screening.

20% of respondents stated that they were uninterested in vaccinating, and

only 5% had received the vaccination.

To support women in making informed health choices, there is an ongoing need for clear, culturally sensitive education about HPV infection, vaccination, and regular screening.

Compared to the awareness of HPV-associated cervical cancer globally, the UAE population has shown an increase in the understanding and prevention of diseases within the most affected age groups. However, there is still an urgent need for continuous education regarding HPV infection, its modalities, vaccinations, and screening programs to help making informed health decisions.

Be Aware About Your Chances to Prevent Cervical Cancer!

Knowledge is Prevention! Inform yourself about your right and possibility to protect your health. The Abu Dhabi Public Health Center provides you with important information…

… in English: Cervical Cancer Infographic – English

… in Arabic: Cervical Cancer Infographic – Arabic