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As Many Now Go For HPV Vaccine
Cervical Cancer is currently a growing public health crisis in Nigeria right now. Its spread among many young women is quite alarming and presently ranks as the second most frequent cancer and second leading cause of Cancer deaths among women nationwide. Cervical Cancer rates are rising in specific groups such as women in their early 30s and people with limited access to healthcare.
According to a WHO report, Nigeria’s Most Preventable Cancer is Still Killing 8,000 Women Yearly
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix – the lower mouth of the womb that connects to the vagina. It is the 2nd most common cancer in Nigerian women after breast cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women aged 15-44.
Nigeria records about 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths every year according to WHO. 80% of those women have never been screened before. For every woman who dies, she leaves behind children, and it was 100% preventable.
Unlike ovarian or breast cancer, we know the exact cause of almost all cervical cancers: persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus. 8 in 10 sexually active people will have it at some point.
There are over 100 types. Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cervical cancers in Nigeria.
In most women, the immune system clears HPV within 2 years.
In some women, the virus persists, causes pre-cancerous changes (CIN) for 10-15 years silently, then becomes invasive cancer.
Risk factors that help HPV persist in Nigerian women:
Early sexual debut and multiple partners – more exposure
High parity (many births) and long-term use of oral contraceptives without screening
Co-infection with HIV, Chlamydia, or Herpes – HIV-positive women are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer. Nigeria has about 1.9 million women living with HIV.
Smoking reportedly weakens cervical immunity
Screening is not free in most private hospitals and is not part of routine checkup in PHCs until recently.
Now with teaching hospitals reporting, the numbers look like they are rising, but many cases were previously hidden.
Less than 10% of Nigerian women have ever been screened. In Lagos, it is about 18%. In the North, less than 5%. Without screening, pre-cancer is not caught. Women come with bleeding, foul discharge, and pelvic pain when it is too late.
HIV and population growth. More women living longer with HIV plus larger population makes it more at-risk with women.
Many Nigerian women still believe cervical cancer is a spiritual attack, caused by contraceptives, or that screening will make them infertile. So they avoid hospitals.
HPV is a very common virus, and while many infections clear naturally without causing problems, some high-risk types can persist and eventually cause cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to high-risk HPV infection. This is one major reason Parents, young girls and women are becoming more interested in HPV vaccination. And some higher institutions across Nigeria now make it compulsory for their female students to have the vaccine.Unlike vaccines that are commonly associated with childhood illnesses, the HPV vaccine is primarily known for its role in preventing HPV infection and reducing the risk of cervical cancer later in life.The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination primarily for girls between the ages of 9 and 14, when the vaccine can provide protection before exposure to HPV. Depending on age and individual circumstances, vaccination may also be recommended for older girls and women. The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection or cervical cancer. Its strength lies in prevention and helping the body develop protection against HPV types that can cause disease.
The HPV vaccine is the game changer and only vaccine in the world that prevents cancer.
It trains the body to kill HPV 16, 18 and other high-risk types before they can cause cancer. It does not treat existing infection and must be given before first sex. Immune response is strongest at that age.
Does it help older women? Yes, women 15-45 can still benefit, but protection is lower if already exposed. That’s why screening must continue even after vaccination.
WHO wants to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 with 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened at age 35 and 45 with HPV DNA test, 90% of pre-cancer and cancer cases treated.
If you are 25-65, do HPV DNA test or Pap smear every 3-5 years. If you test positive for HPV 16/18, you will be called for treatment, usually cryotherapy or thermal ablation, simple 15-minute procedure.
Stop smoking, use condoms, and staying faithful reduces HPV spread.
Bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, foul-smelling watery discharge, persistent lower abdominal pain are symptons.
This cancer takes 10-15 years to develop. The only hope is the HPV vaccine which gives us that chance.
