PESHAWAR: Health experts at a seminar here on Monday advised women to undergo regular checkups for cervical cancer screening to prevent complications and stay healthy.

“Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet it remains a significant health concern worldwide. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve survival rates,” Dr Saadia Shamsher told the seminar. The event was organised by the Peshawar chapter of Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) at Hayatabad Medical Complex.

Dr Saadia highlighted the significance of cervical cancer screening and awareness. She said that health professionals had crucial role in early detection and prevention of the ailment. “Down staging technique is an effective method for screening purposes,” she added.

Prof Naeema Uthman, head of gynaecology department at HMC, said on the occasion that vaccine could prevent infection with high-risk HPV types. She said that maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking were also important to stay safe from the ailment.

Other speakers said that the global strategy of World Health Organisation meant to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem and recommended national screening programme for its member countries. Many countries implemented national screening programme to increase early detection and treatment of the disease, they said.

They said that regular screening, vaccination and healthy lifestyle practices could reduce the burden of cervical cancer worldwide. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer and women with weak immune systems are more susceptible to HPV infection.

Women with a family history of cervical cancer are at increased risk. The treatment of the disease includes removal of cervix or uterus, radiation therapy and medications to kill cancer cells. Dr Shagufta Nisar, an associate professor of clinical pathology, also spoke in.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2025