Despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, with many patients only seeking medical help when the disease is already at an advanced stage.
Health experts say poor awareness, limited access to screening, myths surrounding vaccination, and weak healthcare systems continue to fuel the burden of the disease, particularly among women in low-income and rural communities.
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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with 90 per cent or more of new cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The global health agency notes that nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can be prevented through vaccination and early screening.
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Although the WHO aims to eliminate cervical cancer through a global strategy targeting 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, 70 per cent screening coverage, and 90 per cent access to treatment by 2030, many challenges remain in low- and middle-income countries.
These include weak healthcare systems, poor infrastructure, and inadequate health education.
In Nigeria, cervical cancer is a public health challenge, ranking as the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
Speaking with PT Health Watch, Qudus Lawal, a gynaecologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, said many Nigerian women continue to present late because awareness about the disease and its preventive measures remains low.
Low awareness, late detection
Mr Lawal described late presentation of cervical cancer cases as one of the most troubling realities for professionals working in the field.
He said that even though almost every case of cervical cancer is preventable, the majority of patients still present very late.
According to him, poor awareness remains one of the biggest reasons many women fail to seek preventive care or screening early.
“You can’t prevent what you do not know,” he said, noting that many women, especially those in grassroots communities, still have limited information about cervical cancer and how to prevent it.
He explained that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are often more vulnerable to the disease due to poor access to healthcare information and preventive services.
He also noted that for many years, Nigeria lacked an organised national cervical cancer screening programme, making early detection difficult for many women.
“If you don’t screen for cancer, the only time you are going to see it is when there are symptoms and it is almost incurable,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged recent government efforts to improve access to screening services, noting that a national screening rollout has recently commenced in parts of the country.
Screening and access challenges
Mr Lawal stressed that improving access to cervical cancer screening across all communities is critical to reducing deaths from the disease, noting that screening services should not be limited to women who can afford them.
“If we are going to change the narrative about cervical cancer, one of the key things we need is universal availability of preventive measures such as screening,” he said.
He explained that opportunistic screening, where women only get screened when they visit health facilities or can afford it, is often limited in reach and effectiveness.
Myths and misinformation
Mr Lawal also identified myths and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine as another major challenge affecting cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria.
According to him, false claims that the vaccine affects fertility have discouraged many parents and guardians from allowing eligible children to receive it.
“HPV vaccination is safe and effective, but misinformation spreads very quickly within communities,” he said.
He stressed the need for healthcare workers to engage directly with communities rather than limiting awareness campaigns to professional circles.
He added that introducing cancer prevention education at an early stage, particularly in secondary schools, could help improve awareness and acceptance of preventive measures.
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Why men should be involved
Mr Lawal said cervical cancer prevention should not be seen solely as women’s issue, noting that men also have an important role to play in supporting prevention efforts.
He said HPV, the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases, affects both men and women and can be sexually transmitted.
He added that involving men in awareness campaigns can help improve acceptance of screening and vaccination among women.
“When partners understand the importance of screening, instead of women seeking permission, the men themselves will encourage their wives to go for screening because they want the best for them,” he said.
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