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Dr Habeebu Muhammad, the Chief Clinical Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority–Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Cancer Centre, has raised alarm over the increasing incidence of cervical cancer in Nigeria, revealing that approximately 17,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.
Dr. Muhammad speaking with Punch Newspaper stressed the importance of early detection, stating that timely intervention significantly improves survival rates.
Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44 in Nigeria.
"People die from cancer because they present late to the hospital when the disease is at an advanced stage," Dr Muhammad emphasized, urging Nigerians to seek medical assistance at the onset of symptoms and dispel the misconception that cancer is invariably fatal.
Highlighting the financial burden associated with cancer management, Dr. Muhammad underscored the significance of early diagnosis in reducing mortality rates and healthcare costs.
"We have about 102,000 new cases of cancer annually as of 2023. About 15 per cent of this is cervical cancer. So that is about 17,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually," Dr. Muhammad stated, urging for improved patient care and accessibility to medical services.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle was also advocated as a preventive measure against cancer. Dr. Muhammad recommended routine medical screenings, emphasizing the importance of early cancer detection.
Cervical cancer, a prevalent form of cancer affecting women globally, remains a significant public health concern, exerting a substantial physical, emotional, and financial toll on individuals and healthcare systems.
In a bid to combat cervical cancer, the Nigerian government introduced the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization schedule in 2023, targeting teenage girls to protect against cervical cancer and related diseases.
Despite advancements in cancer prevention and treatment, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among Nigerian women.
Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, founder of the Breast Without Spot Foundation, revealed that cervical cancer claims the lives of 23 to 28 Nigerian women daily.
Routine medical examinations were emphasized as crucial in reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer and other types of cancer affecting women.
Dr. Muhammad and Prof. Okoye reiterated the importance of vaccination, screening, and timely treatment in combating the scourge of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
