Spike in Cervical Cancer Deaths: Unraveling the Connection Between Unhealthy Sexual Behavior and Late Detection – Insights from Experts
The second most common cancer in Nigerian women and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among females aged 15 to 49 and those in their early 60s, this best describes cervical cancer, a malignant tumour that grows in the lower part of the uterus.
Medical experts say the prevalence of this cancer results from being infected by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in about 95% of cases, leading to about 8,000 deaths annually.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), which does not manifest any symptoms but can still infect other people through sexual contact.
Research indicates that Nigeria contributes an estimated 12,075 new cases to the global cervical cancer burden and records about 8,000 deaths from the disease annually.
The estimated 12,000 new diagnoses and 8,000 lives lost each year, translates to 33 new cervical cancer cases and 22 deaths daily in Nigeria.
Experts describe this scourge as unnecessary and gross negligence on the part of women, considering the availability of treatment options, when cases are detected early.
Sexually active and immuno-deficient women remain most vulnerable to HPV infection, notes Dr Paul Odigbo, a Public Health Physician in Abuja.
While advocating healthy sexual behaviour among women to avoid cervical cancer, Odigbo, a Director at the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, noted that secondary prevention and treatment is available using Cryotherapy.
Odigbo emphasised the need for early detection of the virus, tasking women to take advantage of free screening services.
Noting her concerns, Dr Nabila Shehu, a Consultant Family Physician at Peramera Medicals, explained that many cases of cervical cancer are presented in very advanced stages as a result of cultural beliefs, taboos or even religion.
‘‘Late detection of cervical cancer is a problem because this is a very sensitive area, many women do not feel comfortable to sit there and spread their legs to do this kind of examination, unless during childbirth.
‘‘This means that cases are not detected until it is too late or the cancer has spread significantly. Early detection is always the solution to treating cervical cancer, and that is where pelvic screening comes in.
Dr Shehu explains that cervical cancer can easily be diagnosed, especially using the latest imaging technology.
‘‘The new technology in medical innovation ilumigine gynoscope system, an advanced camera that helps perform pelvic examination with better visibility and remote diagnosis, because images can be shared with other medical experts from across the world, Dr Nabila explains.
She, however, warns that the only way to limit exposure to the cervical cancer-causing virus is through safe sex practices, use of barrier protection during intimacy, avoiding multiple sex partners, urinating after intercourse and proper female hygiene.
‘‘The other thing is the HPV vaccine that has just been introduced in the country. For now, it is only available to young girls to protect them before they become sexually active, that alone will help the rates of cervical cancer come down significantly.
