Gynaecologist Speaks On How To Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Dr Qudus Lawal, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State has said implementing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO), cervical cancer strategic interventions will help to eliminate the disease in the country.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

According to the WHO, as a way of eliminating cervical cancer within the next century, every country should fully vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; screen 70 per cent of women using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; and treat 90 per cent of women with pre-cancer and get 90 per cent of women with invasive cancer managed.

Lawal said achieving the goal requires the active participation of the youths in the various strategic interventions in a statement he jointly signed as the convener of Cancer Advocacy Nigeria with the Secretary, Dr Donald O. Oriaifo.

Charging Nigerian youths to promote cervical cancer awareness, the gynaecologist said 83 per cent of the disease occurs in low- and middle-income countries, where resources are limited.

“This, coupled with the late presentation seen in 80 per cent of patients, makes the disease one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in LMICs.

“In 2020, Globocan data shows that over 600,000 new cases were diagnosed and more than 340,000 preventable deaths occurred. Against this backdrop, the WHO called for global action to end cervical cancer this century.

“An incidence of 12,075 and 7,968 deaths makes Nigeria the country with the highest absolute number of cases in Africa and thus the country is critical in achieving the global elimination target.

“This goal will require the active participation of the youths in the various strategic interventions."