Poor Awareness in Nigeria and Africa
According to survey conducted in Nigeria, only 10% of women population had heard about cervical cancer. Only a less than 5% who were interviewed had attended the screening before. According to data collected 80,000 African women get a diagnosis of cervical cancer annually. And a total of 53,000 women die of this virus annually. The awareness is so low among educated population that there were very low chances of hope for the illiterate bunch of people.
Initiatives By Femi Olaleye
A social enterprise company Optical healthcare has been set up in UK by Femi Olaleye.This company extends an arm to help those suffering from cervical cancer at low-cost clinics. These clinics popularly known as Optical medical centers were opened in Mafoluku, Ketu, Masha and Surulere.With these clinics they were able to deliver cancer screening to more than 6000 women within one year?s time. A new Optical centre care foundation is set up to deliver free cancer screening services to women on Fridays. This has been possible with help of donations given by individuals and corporate sponsors.
Facts About Cervical Cancer
This dreadous disease is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is found most in Nigeria. All sexually active women in the reproductive age group are prone to this virus. The disease has a pre cancerous phase because of which it becomes difficult for the doctors to treat the women once they have been screened. The major cause of spread of this cancer is ignorance among women. This is why this cancer kills one woman every hour in Nigeria.
Prevention is better than Cure
Cervical cancer is 100% preventable through regular screening and vaccination against HPV. A potent vaccine has also been found to prevent women from the cancer. The three doses over a period of six months is recommended for lifelong immunity. Once transmitted, this virus is incurable. Thereby regular screening is must.
Challenges to create awareness
Fear among people to undergo the test is one big challenge faced. They get scared about the result which according to them is incurable. Also illiteracy among population causes them to avoid going through screening and they rather prefer some spiritual power intervention for the safety of their lives.
Broadcasting stations and marketing companies are asked for help to create awareness among people. Through this article we would like to convey that VIA and PAP are screening tests available to safeguard the lives of millions of women around the globe.
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