January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to talk about cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer death in Nigerian women.

We’ll talk about

• human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines &
• cervical cancer screening.

With HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, cervical cancer is the most preventable of all female cancers.

Screening Tests

for early detection of the HPV and pre-cancer lesions.

1. The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that could cause these cell changes.
2. The Pap smear looks for precancers, it detects cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

Pap Smear

You should get your first Pap test at age 21.

If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test. If it is not, you ought to seek medical help. Request a doctor here.

HPV test

for detection of the virus

1. Recommended for women aged 30 and above.
2. If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test. If it is not, you ought to seek medical help. Request to see a doctor online if you want to check for HPV.

Screening Options

If you’re 30 years or older, you must start screening now. Talk to a doctor on how to get this done today or this weekend.

1. Pap Smear every 3 years.
2. HPV testing every 5 years
3. Pap smear and HPV testing every 5 years.

Prevention

HPV vaccination

In Nigeria, HPV vaccination is available for every girl from 9 to 25 years.

It protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancers.

Vaccination is beneficial for girls who are not sexually active.

Vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases.

It is recommended that you should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received the HPV vaccine.

The decision to vaccinate despite being sexually active is up-to you and your doctor. Get in touch to see a doctor at home or online for vaccination today.

 

 

EARLY DETECTION TIP

Feel comfortable asking about your sexual health. If you experience pain or notice bleeding during sexual intercourse, it is never too small to mention.

Dr Oyeka, Boston, USA