Medical expert Chief Dr. Odiraa has issued an urgent public health warning over the rising cases of cervical cancer across sub-Saharan Africa, with particular concern for Nigeria, describing the disease as largely preventable if early action is taken. He called for an intensified national campaign focused on screening and vaccination to reduce thousands of preventable deaths each year.
A Preventable but Deadly Disease
Speaking during a health briefing in Lagos, Chief Dr. Odiraa stressed that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in the region despite existing medical tools capable of stopping it. Citing 2023 estimates, he noted that Nigeria records more than 7,000 deaths annually, alongside 10,000 to 15,000 new cases.
“We should not be having cases of cervical cancer if we do what we are supposed to do,” he said, explaining that the disease involves malignant lesions affecting the cervix, commonly described as the “mouth of the womb.”
A 20-Year Opportunity for Prevention
Chief Dr. Odiraa emphasized that cervical cancer develops gradually, often beginning as a pre-cancerous lesion that may take up to two decades to become invasive. This long progression period provides a crucial window for screening and early treatment capable of preventing full-blown cancer.
He identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary cause in over 99 percent of cases, warning that the virus frequently shows no symptoms, leaving many women unaware of infection until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
Key Risk Factors
According to the physician, several conditions increase vulnerability:
High parity: Multiple vaginal births, particularly six or more.
Early sexual exposure: Often linked to early marriage and cervical injury that can enable infection.
Weakened immunity: Including people living with HIV or those on long-term steroid medication.
Lifestyle and heredity: Smoking and a family history of cervical cancer among first-degree relatives.
Warning Signs Women Should Not Ignore
Chief Dr. Odiraa urged women to seek immediate medical attention if they experience:
Bleeding after menopause.
Bleeding following sexual intercourse.
Persistent foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
He noted that such symptoms can indicate advanced disease requiring urgent evaluation.
Prevention Strategy: Vaccination and Screening
The physician recommended a three-level prevention approach centered on vaccination, screening, and awareness. He advised that the HPV vaccine be administered to girls aged 9 to 13, ideally before sexual activity begins, though he added it can still benefit women up to age 26 and older.
For screening, he referenced guidelines from the World Health Organization, which recommend that sexually active women begin routine checks at 25 years old. While the traditional Pap smear remains widely used, he explained that HPV DNA testing is more sensitive and can extend screening intervals to five years if results are negative.
A Call for Community Action
Concluding his remarks, Chief Dr. Odiraa appealed to families and community leaders to spread awareness.
“The responsibility lies with all of us to educate others,” he said, urging women to inform daughters, sisters, and friends about vaccination and screening options to prevent needless deaths.
Health advocates say his warning highlights the urgent need for coordinated national policies, improved access to screening, and widespread public education to curb what experts describe as one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
