Early Detection Prevents 75% Of Cervical Cancer In Women – Medical Expert

Esther Zakaria, the Clinical Officer, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, an NGO, said 75 per cent of cancer can be prevented through early detection.

Zakaria said this at the beginning of a two-day free cervical cancer sensitisation, screening and family planning for women in Osogbo recently.

She described screening and treatment of precancerous lesions as the best possible protection against cervical cancer.

The screening according to its organisers is taking place at some selected primary healthcare centres in the state.

The Clinical officer revealed that cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in the country, adding that the group is targeting zero level reduction to be achieved through screening.

According to her, “Cervical cancer occurs commonly in women over the age of 30 and is the second most frequent cancer among women in the country after breast cancer.

“The cancer is caused by the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) and is transmitted through sexual intercourse and it can cause an infection in the cervix (the neck of the womb); the infection can change the cervix cells into pre-cancer cells.

“Most cells with early pre-cancer changes go back to normal on their own and if detected can be treated, but if they are not found and treated the pre-cancer cells can lead to cancer.’’

Another speaker at the programme, Mrs. Esther Oke hinted that there was good news after all.

She disclosed that as part of early treatment and precaution against cervical cancer, all women starting from age 15 are advised to go for vaccination which is a big step towards its prevention.

Oke noted that with the vaccination, the chances of the woman having cervical cancer in the future is zero.