Cancer: Early Detection Keeps You Alive, Get Youself Checked.

No fewer than 26 Nigerian women die daily from cervical cancer, a radiologist and Founder, Breast Without Spot, BWS, Professor Ifeoma Okoye has disclosed.

Relating results of a survey conducted by BWS, Okoye, who spoke weekend at the formal launch of a school- based Cervical Cancer Vaccination Awareness Initiative, said cervical cancer is the 2nd highest killer cancer among women and Nigeria is the 10th cervical cancer death tool, worldwide.

“We know 48 million women are at risk, 17, 550 women are diagnosed yearly, 9, 659 women die annually and 26 women daily on daily basis in Nigeria. This is alarming and most of the cases are rampant.”

Further, she called for proactive political commitment to fight the scourge, explaining that studies have shown that cervical cancer is 99 per cent preventable and prevention is key to its reduction and control in the country.

“Government at all levels should improve and strengthen the healthcare system in terms of funding, infrastructure upgrade and training of medical personnel.

Okoye advocated early screening to prevent late detection of cancer cases and cancer mortality.

The Senior Registrar, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Dr. Joy Agbara, said it was unacceptable that many women still die when cervical cancer is preventable, treatable and curable.

Agbara blamed the high burden on lack of awareness, resources and low budgetary allocation to the health sector contributed to the country’s high rate of the disease burden.

“Cervical cancer has no particular symptoms but women should look out for signs such as pain around the cervix, painful intercourse, foul smelly discharge, weight loss and weakness.

“Go for screening once you notice these signs as such will help to achieve secondary prevention because treatment and cure could be possible.

Agbara called for investment by government in primary prevention through Human Papiloma Virus, HPV, vaccination and secondary prevention through effective mass screening programmes.

The school -based initiative involved parents and school owners or administrators to consent and sponsor the vaccination of girls between the age of nine and 13 as a primary prevention.

Culled from vanguard