Medical experts have identified several risk factors for cervical cancer, including Human Papillomavirus infection, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, and immune system deficiencies.
These insights were shared during a Zoom meeting organized on Tuesday by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with various organizations such as the Johns Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, and the GirlsAct initiative.
The experts, speaking on the theme ‘Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Intersection with HIV’, emphasized the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings for women as a crucial method for early detection and successful treatment. Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina.
“The factors contributing to cervical cancer development are Human Papillomavirus infection, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, and immune system deficiency,” it said.
The World Health Organization states that almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are associated with high-risk HPV infections, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
“Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women,” WHO said.
While most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing symptoms, persistent infections can lead to cervical cancer, making it the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
The United Nations reports that cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in Nigeria and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44 years.
In 2020, Nigeria documented 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and 8,000 deaths due to the disease.
Dr. George Ikaraoha, the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme Advisor with JHPIEGO, highlighted various factors contributing to cervical cancer.
These include HPV infection, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, immune system deficiency, long-term use of oral contraceptives, having many children, and socio-economic factors such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, lack of education, and cultural beliefs that lead to stigma.
Ikaraoha stressed the importance of regular screenings to detect and treat precancerous conditions before they develop into cervical cancer.
He said, “Understanding the risk factors and adhering to recommended screening schedules, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and improve their chances of successful treatment if cancer does occur.”
An Antiretroviral therapy nurse at AHF, Omoseke Bamijoko, underscored the critical nature of early diagnosis.
Bamijoko noted that cervical cancer is treatable if detected early and advised women living with HIV to undergo screening every three years, while others should be screened every five years.
She urged women to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as unusual bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent pain, weight loss, fatigue, vaginal discomfort, or leg swelling.
Senior nursing officer Mrs. Menakaya Atenchong and Dr. Lois Maji, a Programme Officer with IHVN, also advised young girls to get screened and vaccinated.
They emphasized that early detection not only reduces the burden of cervical cancer but also prevents other genital issues in women and girls.
They called for addressing social and economic determinants to reduce disparities in cervical cancer incidence and improve health outcomes.
AHF Nigeria Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, highlighted that cervical cancer and HIV are significant public health concerns, particularly in resource-limited settings.
He stated that the meeting aimed to provide participants with information on the relationship between HIV and cervical cancer, discuss preventive measures, and share the latest research and strategies for effective management and support.
