SAYS 12,075 WOMEN ARE DIAGNOSED, WHILE 7,968 DIE YEARLY FROM THE DISEASE
By Vincess Okushi
Nigeria has one of the 2nd most frequent cervical cancer-related cases with an estimated 12,075 diagnosed and 7,968 deaths among women yearly.
This disease is said to be predominant among women between ages 15 and 44, as about 3.5% harbor cervical Human papillomavirus 16 and 18 infections.
However, 66.9% of these invasive cervical cancers result in an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, heightening the risk of survival by patients.
Dr. Joseph Urang, Port Harcourt state Immunization Officer during a presentation at a two-day media dialogue with Health correspondent on care and sick newborns, oxygen availability, and the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccine in Nigeria.
Stated that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for about 95% of cervical cancer with its most common 80% active Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) among individuals globally.
Noting that these HPV infections could be 90% asymptomatic with severe symptoms when the cancer has reached an advanced stage as women ages 15 years and older continuously risk developing cervical cancer.
There are over 170 types, with 12 currently classified as carcinogenic.
HPV-16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -41, -52 and -58 are the most important globally
HPV infects the basal keratinocytes of genital mucosa, oral mucosa, and skin and is predominantly spread by sexual contact.91% of individuals infected with HPV will clear the infection within 2 years – Persistent infection is necessary for carcinogenesis.
HPV causes six types of cancer
Speaking on the free HPV vaccine currently administered at schools and other centers, Dr Joseph urges all to take advantage to eradicate the disease among children for a cancer-free society.
He added that going by the WHO recommendations, both males and females are in dire need of the vaccine, even though the country took a firm decision of vaccinating only the females who are at risk of cervical cancer due to STIs.
More than 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed since they were licensed.
Data continue to show that the vaccines provide safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV.
WHO recommends that men and women should be vaccinated, but on the ground of logistics, if you put males and females together, the number of persons to be vaccinated will be very high so the country has chosen on the grounds of the disease, surviving cervical cancer and protecting against cervical cancer that is what we are focusing oN
Parents are advised to encourage their daughters to go for vaccination to avert the high burden of HPV on the country.
