🔬 Men's Health
Cervical Cancer Prevention in Nigeria
Almost entirely preventable — here is how
Cervical cancer kills more Nigerian women than almost any other cancer. It is almost entirely caused by persistent infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a sexually transmitted virus that most sexually active people carry at some point. The tragedy is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in medicine: through HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening (Pap smear or VIA). Nigeria's cervical cancer burden remains high because both tools are underused.
Signs and Symptoms
✓ Early cervical cancer has NO symptoms — only screening detects it early
✓ Abnormal vaginal bleeding — between periods, after sex, or after menopause
✓ Unusual vaginal discharge — watery, bloody, or with an unpleasant odour
✓ Pelvic pain during sex (dyspareunia)
✓ Leg swelling or lower back pain (advanced disease)
✓ Difficulty urinating or blood in urine (advanced, involving bladder)
When to Seek Help
Any post-coital bleeding (bleeding after sex)Always requires assessment — it is one of the classic early warning signs of cervical pathology.
Post-menopausal bleedingBleeding after menopause should always be investigated — see a gynaecologist within 2 weeks.
No Pap smear in 3+ yearsIf you have never been screened or are overdue — arrange VIA or Pap smear now.
HIV-positive womanWomen with HIV should be screened every 6–12 months due to higher HPV persistence and faster disease progression.
Tests & Diagnosis
🧪 Pap smear (cervical cytology)
A spatula collects cells from the cervix. Abnormal cells (dysplasia) are detected before cancer develops. Should be done every 3 years from age 25, or every 5 years if combined with HPV test.
🧪 Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)
Vinegar is applied to the cervix — abnormal areas turn white. A simple, cheap, available-in-primary-care screening method widely used in Nigeria.
🧪 HPV DNA test
Detects high-risk HPV strains directly. More sensitive than Pap smear. Recommended every 5 years from age 30.
🧪 Colposcopy and biopsy
If screening is abnormal — a lighted magnifying instrument examines the cervix closely. Biopsies of suspicious areas confirm or exclude CIN (precancerous changes) or cancer.
🧪 MRI and CT staging
If cancer is confirmed — to assess extent of spread and guide treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Pap smear in Lagos?
Available at most private hospitals and gynaecology outpatient clinics. Teaching hospitals (LUTH, LASUTH, OAUTHC) offer it at subsidised rates. Community health centres in some states offer VIA. Cost varies by facility — enquire directly for current private pricing.
Should I still get Pap smears if I had the HPV vaccine?
Yes — the vaccine protects against most but not all cancer-causing HPV types, and does not protect against types you may have already been exposed to. Screening continues even after vaccination.
Can I get the HPV vaccine if I am already sexually active?
Yes — the vaccine is still beneficial if you have not been exposed to all the HPV types it covers. It is licensed and recommended up to age 26 routinely, and up to 45 with a doctor's discussion about benefits vs. cost.
My mother had cervical cancer — does that put me at higher risk?
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus (HPV), not directly inherited. However, HIV and immune system factors that run in families can affect HPV clearance. If your mother had cervical cancer, ensure you are vaccinated and screened regularly — you are not automatically at high risk due to genetics alone.
Is there free cervical screening in Nigeria?
Some state governments (Lagos, Anambra) have run free VIA screening campaigns. Check with your state health ministry or primary health care centres. Cervical Cancer Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) runs periodic free screening events.