Experts Advocate Early HPV Detection to Combat Cancer
• Punch Newspapers • Health
Health experts in Nigeria are urging for early detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) to mitigate the rising burden of cervical cancer, particularly among women. Emmanuel Egbroko, the Chief Executive Officer of Inocul8, made this call during the launch of the "Stai Protect Alwai" campaign. This initiative aims to bridge the awareness gap regarding HPV and improve access to screening services while demystifying the virus, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Egbroko highlighted that the persistent nature of HPV often leads to delayed diagnoses, significantly contributing to high mortality rates in the country. He noted that cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Nigerian women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with thousands of new cases recorded annually. Approximately 70% of global cervical cancer cases are linked to high-risk strains of HPV types 16 and 18. The campaign is designed to provide information and facilitate access to vaccination and screening, aiming to reduce cultural myths and infrastructural barriers that hinder HPV prevention efforts in Nigeria.
Topics: Health