A gynaecologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Ango, has linked the high rates of cervical cancer in Northern Nigeria to poverty and low educational levels.
Speaking at a recent workshop on cervical cancer screening, he said, “Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in the region, largely due to socioeconomic factors.”
Dr. Ango noted that many adolescent girls are forced into early sexual activity due to poverty. “The virus that causes cervical cancer is contracted through sex,” he explained, highlighting how financial constraints lead to risky behaviours.
He also pointed out that multiple sexual partners and frequent pregnancies contribute to the prevalence of the disease.
Statistics reveal that in Nigeria, 25 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Dr. Ango urged women to prioritise regular screenings, stating, “Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.”
He believes that increasing awareness and education about cervical cancer can significantly reduce its incidence.
The three-day capacity-building event aimed to equip primary and secondary health workers with the knowledge necessary to address cervical cancer effectively.
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