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Dubai-UAE: 7 December, 2010 – The Abu Dhabi-based Family Development Foundation (FDF) today successfully concluded its awareness programme on the prevention of cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases, drawing the participation of more than 150 women of different nationalities and age groups.

Maitha Al Ameri, Head of Health Education Section, FDF, said: “The educational sessions attracted women from varied social backgrounds. in delivering this programme, we have come a step closer to raising awareness on cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases. we aim to continue providing sessions of similar nature in order to create maximum outreach, in line with our strategic priorities.”

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common life-threatening cancer among women after breast cancer with an incidence rate of 4.8 per 100,000 women a year in the Middle East and 9.9 per 100,000 women in the UAE. The UAE’s Cancer Registry Program revealed that the annual average of the reported cervical cancer cases tripled in 2005 when compared to the period 1998-2004. HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases.

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not indicate any symptoms, but if caught early is almost 100 per cent curable. Regular pap smear tests significantly help the early detection of cervical cancer – a reason why experts recommend regular gynecological checkups. The test is a quick, painless and hassle-free procedure that is credited with significantly reducing cervical cancer deaths since its widespread use in the 1950s.

Cervical cancer, one of around 200 different types of cancer, results from the abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix. it is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common type that infects a majority of people at some point in their lives. The exact cause of cervical cancer is still unknown and symptoms do not appear until it reaches an advanced stage, when the disease becomes incurable.

For further information, please contact:Maya El-HachemAccount ManagerJiwin Public RelationsTel: 00971 4 3692925Email:

© Press Release 2010