Cervical cancer

Hello everyone, it’s Dr Andre again. Trust you all have been good since the last time we spoke. There’s just something about the month of January that I absolutely love, and I’ll share with you in a bit. But first, I’d like to tell you a little story. Do I have your attention?

My story is about a young lady, her name is Anu and she’s in her late 20s. A vibrant, cheerful individual, she is; with a larger than life personality.

There were very few things that could dampen her spirit; the loss of a loved one being the only one that comes to mind at the moment. She has a promising career at one of the leading banks in the country, where she is rising fast through the ranks.

She was recently engaged to her university sweetheart, Kunle; the dates for her introduction, Engagement and Wedding ceremonies have been set. Life couldn’t possibly be better for Anu.

Her birthday was a few days ago and Kunle was determined to make it extra special for her. He spared nothing, experience gifts, beautiful flowers, dinner at a fancy restaurant, and a night at an expensive hotel in Victoria Island (did I hear someone say “Birthday Sex”? *winks*). I think we all have a fair idea how the night ended. But the morning after is where the story gets really interesting.

Anu goes to the bathroom in the morning to clean up and have a bath, before she takes her Emergency Contraceptive Pill (her usual post-sex routine). Something was different this time, the tissue was blood stained after she cleaned up. Her period ended over a week ago, so it couldn’t be another period; she thought to herself. Was the sex too rough this time? Certainly not, it was just right. So where is this blood coming from? She decided to book an appointment with her gynaecologist.

Anu shows up at her gynaecologist’s office, a bit apprehensive from all the uncertainty. After a thorough examination, her doctor informs her that he had found a small mass on her cervix which was bruised. He explained that this may have been the source of the bleeding she had experienced after her last sexual encounter. He also informed her that he had taken a small sample of the mass for further testing, and that the result would be out in about a week.

The one week period was plagued with worry and anticipation. She could barely get enough sleep. All sorts of thoughts went through her mind. “Could it be..... No it can’t ..... I’m too young to have........ I’m just 28 years old.... “. Then came the moment of truth; her tests results were in. Her doctor requested to speak to her in person. It can’t be good news, she thought to herself. Anu arrives at the hospital on the day of her appointment, almost subdued by the suspense and uncertainty. Now she is seated in his consulting room, and her doctor breaks the news to her. The mass he had seen and tested showed features of malignancy. Yes, Anu has cervical cancer.

She could hardly believe her ears. It was as though her entire world came crashing down before her very eyes. Her worst fear had been confirmed. Where was she to start from? What was next for her? At this point, there were more questions than answers.

This is the story of a good number of our women here in Nigeria and the world over. Some stories are more tragic than others, but the narrative remains mostly the same. It is for this reason that the entire month of January has been set aside to create awareness about the scourge, the menace that is Cervical Cancer.

For an easily preventable disease, cervical does take a significant toll on the health of women, ranking as the 2nd most common gynaecological cancer (after breast cancer); and accounting for about 8% of deaths from cancer in women. The vast majority of cervical cancer cases occur in the developing world (Nigeria included). This is not because we are more exposed to the risk factors for cervical cancer, but because we have not done enough to create awareness about the importance of screening tests in the process of early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.

So here's what you need to know about cervical cancer :

1. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually. Most sexually active individuals (men and women) WILL contract this virus at some point in their lives.

2. Early detection is very important. Survival and prognosis are hinged on the ability to detect cervical cancer in its early stages.

3. In the early stages, cervical cancer is usually without symptoms. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex, in between periods or after menopause), moderately painful sexual intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, and (rarely) a mass in the vagina may be red flags suggestive of cervical cancer.

4. Because of the absence of symptoms early in the disease process, and the nonspecific nature of the symptoms when they are present, regular screening is important.

5. Screening is done mostly through a Pap Smear Test. Every sexually active woman should have a pap smear done at least once every 3 years.

6. There are vaccines against the HPV, which can be given to individuals who do not have the HPV.

So ladies, what more do you need to know? Do not hesitate to reach out to me on my social media platforms, @VirtualClinicNG on twitter and instagram; or email me at virtualclinicng@gmail.com for information about Cervical Cancer screening locations closest to you in Nigeria.

Let's fight cervical cancer together.