Cervical Cancer Prevention in Saudi Arabia: It is Time to Call for Action

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, with 2.3 million prevalent cases and 510,000 incident cases documented each year. Annually, 288,000 women die of cervical cancer, and 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The population of Saudi Arabia is young and growing at an increasing rate. The es- timated number of new cases of cervical cancer in 2025 is 309. Lake of comprehensive information on cytological cervi- cal abnormalities and cervical Humen Papiloma virus (HPV) infection in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: One aim of this review is to understand the current status of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia. Based on this in- formation, another aim is to formulate recommendations for cervical cancer prevention that can be applied in our local setting. Methods: An English literature search was conducted using the Pub Med data base between January 2000 till June 2011 , which aimed to review all the publication which was done regarding cancer cervix and cervical dysplasia in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Suggestions and Recommendations: Screening should be started at a later age and should include human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. The age of onset of screening should be determined based on data collected regarding the age of sexual de- but for women.