Explainer: What Nigerian Women Need To Know About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnosed among women, killing more than 300,000 women worldwide every year. In Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 34 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 23 out of every 100,000 women die from cervical cancer every year. Statistics have shown that in Nigeria alone, an estimated 14,089 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year, with eight out of every ten of them presenting at an advanced stage resulting in a mortality rate of about 25%. Despite the high mortality rate, cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable with early detection and proper treatment. In honour of the last day of January, which is cervical cancer awareness month, here is what Nigerian women need to know about this disease:  

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that links to the vagina. The growth of cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix and can spread to other parts like the vagina, bladder, rectum, and lungs in some cases. 

What causes cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer initiates when healthy cells in the cervix develop mutations in their DNA. The causes of cervical cancer remain unclear but it can be largely linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV certainly plays a role in cervical cancer and happens to be a very common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI) with a high prevalence of 15% among sexually active adults in Nigeria and has a  22.1% prevalence in Africa at large. Though this virus has about 100 strains, the two major strains that commonly cause cancer are HPV-16 and HPV-18. Aside from cervical cancer, these two strains of HPV can cause other kinds of cancers in both men and women alike. These include Vulvar, Penile, Rectal and Vaginal cancer.

HPV can be treated easily at an early stage. If left untreated, it can slowly develop into cervical cancer, causing some serious complications. While HPV is the number one risk for cervical cancer, there are other factors that could expose women to cervical cancer. These include:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Genetic history of cervical cancer
• Obesity
• Chlamydia
• Smoking
• Frequent use of birth control pills
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In the early stages, cervical cancer shows no symptoms, so most women do not realise that they have the disease. When symptoms eventually appear in the late stages, they are commonly mistaken for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). 

Some cervical cancer symptoms are:

• Vaginal bleeding after sex, in between periods, and after menopause.
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
• Frequent need to urinate.
• Unusual vaginal discharge in terms of looks and smell.
• Pain during urination.

How can cervical cancer be prevented?

The easiest way to prevent cervical cancer is by doing a Pap smear or HPV test often. It’s advisable to begin screening for cervical cancer at the age of 21. Between the ages of 21 and 29, women should have a Pap test every three years. Doctors recommend that women from 30 years and above take the Pap test regularly. It can be repeated after five years combined with HPV testing if required. Screenings like these will help detect precancerous cells so they can be treated before they develop into full-blown cancer. Since HPV is recognised as the cause of most cervical cancer, this virus can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine is most effective if taken before you become sexually active. With effective vaccination and regular screening, cervical cancer is preventable. 

Other ways to prevent both cervical cancer and HPV are:

• Constant use of condoms and safety measures while having any form of sex.
• A limited number of sexual partners.

How can cervical cancer be treated?

Cervical cancer is treatable if contacted and diagnosed early. The main methods of treatment include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy

These treatments can either be done separately or combined for a more effective result. For cervical cancer to be prevented in developing countries like Nigeria, outreach programs that educate women and their communities on the prevention of cervical cancer coupled with affordable and effective screening programs have to be set in place. With the HPV vaccine, the primary preventative measure for cervical cancer and regular routine screenings, the fight to reduce the high mortality rate of cervical cancer can be won.