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Cervical cancer is the fifth-biggest cause of cancer deaths for women in Abu Dhabi, and Emiratis account for 39 per cent of cases, Haad said. The average diagnosis age is 47.

Women are still unaware, despite much promotion, that Haad has launched a programme for cervical cancer screenings,.

The authority last year started a programme to offer regular Pap smears to sexually active women between the ages of 25 and 65, the first of its kind in the UAE. Women aged between 25 and 49 will have the Pap smear every three years and those aged 50 to 65 every five under the initiative.

The test costs about Dh100 and is covered by Thiqa, the national insurer for Emiratis.

Women should start getting the screenings when they become sexually active. Women who are married should get the test, recommending they have it every three to five years.

“The fact is that cervical cancer is easily preventable and that simple, regular screening can save lives.”

source: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/he ... cal-cancer