Medical experts have appealed to women and girls to ensure regular cervical cancer screening as a sure way of early detection and successful treatment.
The call was made at a Zoom meeting, organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria and its partners, John Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO); National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA); Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) and GirlsAct, on the theme, “Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Intersection with HIV.”
AHF Nigeria’s Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, noted that cervical cancer and HIV are significant public health issues that disproportionately affect women, particularly in resource-limited settings.
He said the meeting was organised to acquaint participants with information on the relationship between the two conditions, as well as to discuss preventive measures, and to share latest research and strategies for effective management and support.
The panelists, Dr George Ikaraoha, Mrs. Menakaya Atenchong, Nurse Omoseke Bamijoko and Dr Lois Maji, gave some insightful and informative messages, urging women, especially ladies, to prioritise their health by going for early screening, accessing vaccines as well as shunning lifestyles that expose one to HPV disease.
Speaking during the meeting, the Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program (CECAP) Advisor with JHPIEGO, Dr Ikaraoha, identified key factors contributing to cervical cancer development to include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, smoking and immune system deficiency.
He also identified long-term use of oral contraceptives, having many children, and socio-economic factors like lack of access to healthcare facilities, poverty and inability to afford health care services, lack of education and access to right information and cultural beliefs like stigma.
The medic advised that regular screening is crucial, as it allows for the detection and treatment of precancerous conditions before they develop into cervical cancer.
Ikaraoha said by understanding the risk factors and adhering to recommended screening schedules, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and improve their chances of successful treatment if cancer does occur.
Bamijoko, an ART nurse with AHF, who also harped on the importance of early diagnosis, said cervical cancer can be treated if discovered early.
She said women living with HIV are more prone to cervical cancer, and as such, should go for screening every three years, while other can be screened every five years.
While admonishing the Nigerian public to stop stigmatising victims to enable them access health care, Omoseke urged women and girls to see a health professional when they notice symptoms like unusual bleeding between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse, increase in foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent pain in the back, leg or pelvis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort as well as swelling in the legs among others.
In their separate remarks, a senior nursing officer with AHF, Mrs Menakaya Atenchong and Dr. Lois Maji, a Programme Officer with IHVN, advised young girls to take advantage of the Federal Government’s programme and get themselves screened and vaccinated.
