KAU Hosts International Colposcopy Workshop

"Cervical cancer has become a women's major health issue in Saudi Arabia", said Dr Khalid Sait, Chairman of the Saudi Gynecologic Oncology Group (SGOG) and Head of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit (GOU) of King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

Dr Sait was addressing an international colposcopy workshop held at KAU by the Gynecologic Oncology Unit (GOU) and the Saudi Gynecologic Oncology Group (SGOG) of King Abdulaziz University Hospital in collaboration with the Society of Canadian Colposcopists (SCC).

The event was attended by Dr Adnan Al-Mazrooa, KAU Vice President, and Dr Mahmoud S. Al-Ahwal, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

According to Dr Sait, little has been done to control the disease in the Arab region, despite the enormous resources available.

"Cervical cancer is the eleventh most common cancer among Saudi women. The annual incidence rate per 100,000 is 1-3. That is about 152 new cases every year. It is expected to double by 2025 ", he added.

"The task of stamping out the disease isn't confined to doctors", he further added.

He also stressed the importance of primary prevention measures, including early screening and hightening awareness of cervical cancer among women living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He also hailed the strenuous efforts made by the KAU Faculty of Medicine and KAU Hospital towards promoting gynecologic oncology research and softening the impact of the disease.

He also pointed out that the colposcopy workshop was aimed at training learners how to recognize the diagnostic characteristics of cervical abnormalities, manage cervical dysplasia and apply new standards for cervical cancer screening, including HPV testing and HPV vaccine.

The event attracted a number of local and international speakers, including Prof James R. Bentley, SCC's President.

*Released by Dr Haytham A. Zakai, Acting Supervisor General of Media.