80% of women exposed to cervical cancer virus -Foundation

The Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation has emphasised the need for adolescent girls to receive the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, noting that at least 80 per cent of women are exposed to the virus in their lifetime.

The foundation warned that because HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, individuals with multiple sexual partners face a significantly higher risk of cervical cancer.

This was part of the foundation’s message during a sensitisation programme for secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday, held to commemorate this year’s World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.

The World Health Organisation set aside November 17 as the global awareness day and has set 2030 targets that include: 90 per cent of girls fully vaccinated by age 15; 70 per cent of women screened by ages 35 and 45; and 90 per cent of women with precancer or cancer treated.

Speaking at the event, Medical Officer with the ABC Foundation, Dr Anjola Oluwadamilola, stressed that HPV vaccination, especially for girls aged 9 to 14, remains the most effective preventive measure, as 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection.

Oluwadamilola added that while a “catch-up” vaccine is available for females aged 15 to 26, the jab is most effective before the onset of sexual activity.

Anjola warned that early marriage, early sexual debut, early pregnancy, and short intervals between pregnancies also heighten the risk of cervical cancer. Other contributing factors include smoking, poor access to screening, and immunosuppression.

She said, “The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus; more than 95 per cent is due to HPV. At least 80 per cent of women are exposed to the HPV virus during their lifetime.

“Most of the time, the body’s immune system gets rid of the virus before it does harm. HPV is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal intercourse, or any other contact involving the genital area.

“Since HPV is transmitted by sexual contact, having multiple sexual partners is associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer; serotypes 16 and 18 are the culprits. The vaccine works best if a person gets it before sexual exposure, but it can also help if you have already had sex.”

The programme, themed “Act Now; Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” featured talks on HPV vaccination and prevention for selected students of the TAAS Group of Schools and Comfort De Johnson Royal College, Ibadan.

Anjola further highlighted the importance of regular screening once women become sexually active, recommending Pap tests from age 21 and HPV tests from age 25, with screening repeated every five years.

She explained that treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery to remove parts of the cervix, uterus or upper vagina, as well as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Also speaking, Chief of Operations at the foundation, Dr Olamiji Ajanaku, lamented that despite being one of the most preventable cancers, cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of many women.

Ajanaku said, “Globally, over 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, and sadly, 350,000 women lost their lives. In Africa, our women bear a disproportionate burden, nearly 94 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries like ours.

“But here’s the truth: cervical cancer is preventable. Almost 99 per cent of cases are linked to HPV, and that’s why prevention through vaccination and screening is critical.

“The HPV vaccine is safe. It’s effective. And it gives our girls lifelong protection before they are ever exposed to risk.

“So, today, we call on every parent, every teacher, every faith leader, and every community champion: Let’s ensure every girl between the ages of 9 and 14 receives her HPV vaccine. Let’s encourage every woman aged 30 to 49 to get screened. And let’s make sure that no woman who needs treatment is left behind.”

Others who spoke at the event included the Foundation’s Head of Administration, Mrs Busayo Adeyoyin; Human Resources Manager, Mr Oladimeji Akanni; and Head of Programmes, Mr Kadan David.