It is disheartening that many women of reproductive age being diagnosed with cancer of the cervix.
Funny enough, most diagnosed individuals were unable to detect their status early. And this is a major determinant in the prognosis of this condition.
Early detection and treatment can prevent 75 per cent of cancers developing but, like other screening tests, it is not perfect.
It is important to enlighten women, even young ladies on the menace, effects and prevention of cervical cancer.
Cervix is a structure (known as the neck of the uterus - womb) next to the vagina. It serves as door / security guard for the womb. This makes it so important and needed to be well taken care of.
Cervicalccancer is caused by exposure to a specific type Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
On this note, I will like to tell you few risk factors
- Family history
- Early exposure to coitus - sex
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Indiscriminate sexual acts
- Low body immunity
- Misuse of contraceptive pills
Cervical Cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in developing countries with highest incidence in parts of Africa and parts of South America. About 500,000 new cases and deaths which amount to 250,000 are noted annually.
Women in developing countries are the worse affected as they suffer disproportionately from the burden of cervical cancer and account for over 80% of cases.
It is the most common cancer in women in Northern Nigeria (due in part to the practice of early marriage) second only to breast in the south.
Overall, it is the second most frequent cancer in women, after breast cancer, occurring most commonly in women over the age of 30
This is my cry to women and young ladies to protect themselves from the risk factors earlier mentioned and to visit a reputable screening centre for early detection of their status (and early treatment.
Vaccination is available for young ladies that have not been exposed to sex intercourse.
Prevention is better than cure.
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