Cervical Cancer: Vaccination, Regular Screening For Early Detection

As cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in Nigeria, vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and regular screening for early detection have been identified as Panacea to cervical cancer deaths. The federal government, with the support of partners, have secured over six million doses of HPV vaccine for the first phase of vaccination of young girls between the ages of 9 and 14.

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) says the first phase of the vaccination will encompass 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  while the second phase, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 will cover the remaining states.

The agency said the objective is to ensure that 90 percent of young girls receive complete HPV vaccinations by the age of 15, 70 percent of women undergo high-precision screenings at both 35 and 45 years of age, and 90 percent of women identified with pre-cancerous conditions receive appropriate treatment. It has, therefore, called on parents, caregivers, and guardians to seize the opportunity.

Faisal said cervical cancer stands as the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, and the second most common cause of cancer-related fatalities among women aged 15 to 49 years. 

“Nigeria alone contributes an estimated 12,075 new cases of global cervical cancer annually. HPV infection has been identified as a high-risk factor, implicated in 95 percent of cervical cancer cases. With 12,000 new diagnoses and 8,000 lives claimed each year, it translates to 33 new cervical cancer cases and 22 deaths every day in our nation,” he said, adding that while vaccination is the most potent prevention measure against PHV, encouraging women to undergo regular screening tests for early detection and prompt treatment is important.

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A medical doctor, Omolara Adekunle, applauded government effort towards the vaccination of young girls against the deadly infection, saying vaccination is the most preventive measure against the virus. 

Omolara regretted that even though regular screening for early detection is very important in the fight against cervical cancer, many Nigerians do not have the habit of going for medical checkup. She said a lot of cases are presented late because of poor health seeking behavior, while describing the introduction of the HPV vaccine as a milestone achievement. 

She urged women to go for regular screening for cervical and breast cancer while also calling on the government to make cancer care more accessible and affordable in the country.