Cervical Health: Fostering Awareness in the Workplace

Taking the stigma out of women’s health issues can raise awareness of cervical health and potentially save lives. 

There are some health conversations people tend to put off, especially when they involve personal parts of the body. Cervical health is one of them – yet this quiet approach is putting thousands of women at risk.

Cervical cancer is largely preventable with the right testing and early intervention. But across the GCC region, many women aren't getting the preventive care they need.

As a business, you can help female employees prioritize their health by raising awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and supporting regular screening appointments. 

Cervical cancer is a silent health challenge

Like many women’s health conditions, cervical cancer often develops silently, with symptoms only appearing in the advanced stages. 

Though it can happen at any age, cervical cancer occurs most frequently in women aged 35-44. Over 660,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking and being overweight increase the risk of developing the disease.

The root cause of most cases is an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus, which spreads through contact, usually clears up on its own. However, in some cases, persistent HPV infections can lead to cell changes that may develop into cancer if left unmonitored.

Since 2008 there’s been a global push to reduce the spread of HPV by vaccinating young adults. But uptake is low in the GCC region – ranging from 19% in the UAE to just 5% in Saudi Arabia.

Regular cervical screening can save lives 

Early detection is vital to protecting women’s cervical health. A key preventive tool is the pap smear test, which can identify cell changes before they become cancerous.

To reduce the risk of advanced cervical cancer, experts recommend that women aged 21-30 should have a pap smear test at least once every three years, and women aged 30-65 at least once every five years. 

Regular screening can prevent up to 70% of cervical cancer cases – but rates are incredibly low among women in the GCC region. A study of women in Saudi Arabia found that 62% were not aware that pap tests are a screening tool for cervical cancer, and less than 23% had been screened. 

Low screening rates put women at risk 

Despite the importance of cervical screening, many women face barriers to regular testing. Lack of awareness is a significant factor, but other challenges also play a role.

For busy professionals, preventive healthcare often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Even with the best health insurance in UAE, missed appointments are common and rarely rescheduled.

Cultural sensitivities and personal concerns can also affect screening rates. Some women feel uncomfortable with intimate procedures, while others worry about potential results. There's also a misconception that only married women need screening, even though cervical cancer can affect women of any marital status.

To address these challenges, the World Health Organization has set ambitious targets for the next five years. By 2030, it wants 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened with HPV tests, and 90% of women receiving treatment for pre-cancer or cancer when needed.

Increase women’s health support for your employees  

Although cervical health is a personal matter, workplace support can help to raise awareness of critical women’s health issues including cervical cancer. 

As an employer, you can take practical steps to educate and inform your workforce on the benefits of regular screening and early intervention, including: 

• Launching awareness campaigns by getting involved with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, or by including a cervical health campaign within your broader women’s well-being program. 

• Host health talks led by female medical professionals who understand cultural sensitivities. These sessions can normalize discussions around preventive care and address common concerns in a comfortable setting.

• Review your corporate health insurance to ensure it covers regular cervical screening. Consider extending your coverage to include HPV testing and vaccination where appropriate.

• Introduce flexible working arrangements that make it easier for women to attend medical appointments without compromising their professional commitments.

• Provide access to confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with tele-health services, allowing female employees to discuss their concerns with expert healthcare providers discretely.

GulfCare's tailored health packages include women’s health coverage 

As a specialist group health insurance provider, GulfCare offers comprehensive women's health services including cervical screening. Our GCC-wide network of GulfCare Diagnostic Centers includes private, women-only facilities to ensure your employees receive confidential care in a comfortable environment.