Ignorance among people of the North has led to increasing cases of cervical cancer, which is creating worrisome scenarios for the region.
A medical doctor with the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Dr Aisha Mustapha stated this Sunday during a cancer awareness programme as part of activities marking this year’s World Cancer Day, organised by the Sisters of Jannah (SoJ) Kaduna in partnership with the Planned Parenthood of Nigeria (PPFN).
Dr. Aisha said the cancer is caused by Human Papilloma Virus but can be prevented through vaccination. She however lamented that ignorance and poor awareness have ensured that northern Nigeria women continue to suffer cervical cancer.
“Breast and cervical cancer are the first and second common female cancers in Nigeria. But cervical cancer is prevalent in the North probably because of poor awareness largely from differing socio-demographics.
“When pressed, cancer lesions are detected at screening, appropriate treatment must be instituted. No need for screening individuals that would not be treated.
“Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the causative organism of cervical cancer and other cancers like vagina and vulva cancers. It is common in HIV positive women, women with high parity, and those with multiple sexual partners. HPV also causes cancers in men like penile cancer. There is a vaccine for HPV. Two of these vaccines have been licensed in Nigeria Gardasil, which is quadrivalent and cervarix, which is bivalent.
“There is also the nonavalent vaccine. Young girls (and boys) that aren’t sexually active from 9-13 years should get the vaccine. There is benefit of vaccination at older ages though. These vaccines are not readily available and affordable but can be administered at hospitals on request. There are efforts to include HPV vaccination into routine immunisation and we hope this is achieved soon.
“For older women, cervical cancer screening in the form of HPV testing, paper smear, visual inspection of the cervix and other tests are strongly recommended. When a woman already develops cervical cancer, symptoms like bleeding after sex, abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul smelling discharge are seen. Late signs like constipation, decrease urine output and renal failure can occur.
“The disease can be treated using different modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other methods. Cervical cancer is killing women of reproductive age.”
