Women and doctors challenge taboos on dangers of HPV in Egypt

In Egypt, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women aged 15-44, yet it is rarely discussed in the public sphere. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, the very topic of this illness is considered taboo among Egyptian families. Women are often afraid to ask about it and doctors are sometimes hesitant to bring up the topic when visiting a patient. To raise awareness of the dangers of HPV and cervical cancer, organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Population Council are working to break the stigma and increase preventive measures through public awareness campaigns and screenings. Additionally, doctors in Egypt are working to create an accepting dialogue between patients and health professionals in order to foster discussion on this pressing issue. Through educating and empowering both patients and doctors, there is hope that the issue of HPV will become less of a taboo in Egypt, leading to earlier detection and more successful treatment of this dangerous virus.