Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign in Qatar: A Population-Based Campaign

Abstract

Background: In 2012, it has been estimated that almost 527,600 new patients were diagnosed with cervical cancer causing over 265,000 deaths worldwide. Locally, the disease is affecting a substantial number of women in Qatar, placing it fifth in terms of the most common cancers among females in the country. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making the treatment more challenging. This is mainly due to the poor knowledge of the disease and the lack of awareness campaigns about cervical cancer. Aim: To raise the awareness about cervical cancer among women in Qatar to promote prevention and early detection. Methods: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched a population-based campaign aimed at raising the public awareness about cervical cancer. In January 2018, health educators from QCS conducted 15 workshops in numerous public and private sectors across Qatar including companies, hotels, hospitals, and healthcare centers to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease, its risk factors, as well as methods of prevention and early detection. In addition, the campaign was advertised in 10 local newspapers, 4 TV programs, 3 radio programs, social media, and 2 Web sites to deliver the educational material to a larger audience as possible. A hotline number was also reserved to answer women's questions and concerns about the disease. To promote the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, women were encouraged to do Pap tests for free in Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals. Moreover, QCS organized a closing ceremony at the end of the campaign for all women who did the Pap test and a raffle draw was done to appreciate their participation. Results: A total of 635 women attended the various awareness workshops that were delivered over a month period. Interestingly, 100 women aged 21-65 years visited Al-Ahli and Al-Emadi hospitals to have Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. All of these women reported that they have never done the test before and they became aware of it from QCS campaign. Of note, participants indicated that it was the first time for them to learn about human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine which prevents 70% of all cervical cancer cases. In addition, about 150 calls were received inquiring about different aspects of the disease. The closing ceremony came to reinforce the awareness messages delivered by QCS where an educational video about cervical cancer was presented, followed by a speech by a cervical cancer survivor who talked about her battle with the disease and her treatment journey. Conclusion: Despite the widespread of cervical cancer among women in Qatar, little was known about its signs and symptoms, prevention, and early detection methods. This population-based awareness campaign was very effective in raising the awareness about cervical cancer, which will help in detecting the disease at earlier stages, and will ultimately result in higher survival rates.

Experiences of cervical cancer survivors in Chitwan, Nepal: A qualitative study

“…Awareness programs via media, mass campaigns, healthcare professionals all can equally increase the screening uptake behavior in women. As per the literature, educating women about the importance of screening [ 23 , 24 ] and using the newer information technologies, like reminders and messages via the cellphones [ 25 ] or involving the social media influencers [ 26 ] for increasing awareness have shown increased participation of women in a cervical cancer screening program.…”

Role of mass media in understanding about cervical cancer and its screening among married women.

“…These findings were well supported by the study conducted in Qatar. 23 Furthermore, study also suggests that government to arrange media compaigns on cervical cancer as well as vaccine cost and facility in diagnosis of disease must be at affordable prices; these findings were found relevant with Khan and his co-authors 9 study.…”

Experiences of cervical cancer survivors in Chitwan, Nepal: a qualitative study

“…Awareness programs via media, mass campaigns, healthcare professionals all can equally increase the screening uptake behavior in women. As been reported in the literature, educating women about the importance of screening had shown an increase in the willingness to participate in such programs [17,18]. Using the newer information technologies, like using the reminders and messages via the cellphones [19] or involving the social media influencers or key opinion leaders [20] for increasing awareness have shown to increase the participation of women in cervical cancer screening.…”