To gauge public knowledge of cervical cancer, I did a quick conversational survey. The results were damning as no one had concrete information on the subject revealing why this disease, whicch affects thousands of women worldwide, remains a silent killer in Nigeria.
Despite being one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of many Nigerian women for various reasons which make creating awareness compulsory, not optional.
The alarming statistics
![](https://marieclaire.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_3316.jpeg)
Nigeria has a population of 60.9 million women ages 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The HPV Information Centre indicates that every year, 12075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer which is one of the highest rates in Africa, and 7968 die from the disease.
While these numbers are staggering, public information about cervical cancer in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, remains low. Urgent action is crucial to address this public health crisis.
The disease remains unknown to many
![](https://marieclaire.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_3319.jpeg)
In an attempt to see how much information women had about cervical cancer, I asked the owner of the local supermarket in my estate if she knew what the disease was, her response translated from Yoruba reads, “Is that a new biscuit you want me to buy?”
Not losing hope, I asked a school teacher if she knew what cervical cancer was, while she knew cancer was a “bad sickness that has no cure,” no other information was readily available on the subject.
I also asked a friend who just graduated from the university. While her knowledge of the subject was better, information on the Pap tests to detect HPV infection was news to her, and she had also not received the HPV vaccination.
The men I asked had little to nothing to say on the subject aside from knowing someone who died of cancer.
The barriers to awareness
![](https://marieclaire.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_3323.jpeg)
So, why is cervical cancer awareness so low in Nigeria? One major barrier is the cultural stigma surrounding the disease. Many Nigerian women are reluctant to discuss their reproductive health or undergo screening due to fear of being ostracised or stigmatised.
Women speaking on reproductive and sexual health remains a taboo and the few who do are regarded as “promiscuous” and/or “loose.” This systematic problem results in women’s unwillingness to seek medical care on issues like cervical cancer.
Additionally, limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, means that many women are unable to receive regular Pap tests or HPV vaccinations.
The importance of awareness
![](https://marieclaire.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_3320.jpeg)
Raising awareness about cervical cancer is crucial in Nigeria. By educating women about the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods, we can empower them to take control of their health.
Awareness campaigns can help to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease, encouraging women to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Moreover, awareness can drive policy changes and investments in healthcare infrastructure, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for Nigerian women.
The role of HPV Vaccination
![](https://marieclaire.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_3304.jpeg)
HPV vaccination is a critical tool in the fight against cervical cancer. The vaccine is highly effective to prevent HPV-related diseases, and is recommended for girls and women aged 9-45.
However, in Nigeria, the vaccine is not yet widely available, and many women are unaware of its existence and benefits. Increasing access to HPV vaccination and promoting its uptake can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
It’s time to break the silence surrounding cervical cancer in Nigeria. We need to create a culture of openness and awareness, where women feel empowered to discuss their reproductive health and seek medical attention without fear of stigma or judgment.