Understanding High Prevalence of Cervical Cancer in Northern Nigeria: An expert’s perspective
A Gynaecologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Dr Ibrahim Ango, has explained why the North is having the highest prevalent cases of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
While delivering a paper on “Physiology and embryology of cervix and transformation pathology of the cervix” during the opening ceremony of a 3-day capacity building on Cervical Cancer Screening and Referral for Primary and Secondary health workers across in Sokoto on Monday, he said cervical is the commonest cancer in the region due to poverty which forced many adolescent girls into early sex.
The training was organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
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“And you know the virus that causes cervical cancer is contracted through sex,” he said.
Other causes of the cancer in the region he said was multiple sexual partners and too many pregnancies.
He added that, poor level of education was another factor.
Dr Ango who disclosed that, out of every 100,000 women in Nigeria, 25 contracted the deceased, however, called on women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening which he said would help in early diagnosis and treatment.
While declaring the training opening, NICRAT’s Director General, Professor Usman Aliyu, said the event was organized to empower health workers to halt the disease and give our people quality treatment when in need.
“Let me assure all Nigerians that, NICRAT is committed to relentlessly continue to fight the scourge of all forms of cancers through massive awareness creation on preventive strategies, training of health workers and providing the needed care to those who are already affected,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the agency.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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