Combatting Cervical Cancer: Strategies, Awareness, and Access to Care

The highest rate of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are commonly found in the lowest and middle-income countries. This shows the inability to access the HPV vaccination, cervical medical screening, and treatment services due to social and economic determinants like poverty, sexual intercourse, gender, etc.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases in 2020. About 90% of the 342,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low and middle-income countries. Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cells that is found in the cervix area, it is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without HIV.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat, persistent HPV infection of the cervix if left untreated, causes 95% of cervical cancer. Did you know almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives? It is usually without symptoms and in most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent HPV infection can cause abnormal cells to grow which ends up leading to cancerous cells.

An effective way to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer is being vaccinated at the age of 9-14 years. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early age and treated promptly. Prophylactic vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are effective ways to prevent cervical cancer and are very cost-effective. Some important ways to prevent an HPV infection include abstinence from smoking and multiple sexual partners, etc.

Surgery and radiation therapy are the most common treatments for advanced cervical cancer. Other cervical cancer treatments include chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

At Avon Medical, our commitment extends beyond patient care—we provide comprehensive support throughout consultations and treatments. Our facility offers the HPV vaccine, and we welcome consultation bookings with both our general consultant and gynaecologist. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to address your health needs with expertise and compassion.

 

Kindly send us a DM or contact the following numbers: (+234)-908-799-4655 or (+234)-908-799-4656 for your appointments and bookings.