Cervical Cancer: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as cancer of the cervix, womb-neck cancer.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of Nigerian women — and it is almost entirely preventable. It is caused by persistent HPV infection, develops slowly through pre-cancer stages that screening can catch and treat cheaply, and the HPV vaccine (now in Nigeria's routine schedule for girls) prevents most cases altogether.
Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Bleeding after menopause
Unusual, sometimes foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Pain during sex
Pelvic or lower back pain (later stages)
Causes & risk factors
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types
Early sexual debut and multiple partners increasing HPV exposure
HIV and weakened immunity
Smoking
Never being screened
Treatment & self-care
Screening (Pap smear, HPV test or visual inspection) every few years finds pre-cancer, which is treated with simple outpatient procedures before it ever becomes cancer. Established cancer is treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending on stage. Vaccinate daughters against HPV at the recommended age, and make screening a routine part of adult life from age 25-30.
See a doctor urgently if
Bleeding after sex or between periods
Any bleeding after menopause
Persistent foul-smelling discharge
Aged 25+ and never screened — book a screening visit
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Cervical Cancer?
Early signs often include often none in early stages, bleeding between periods or after sex, bleeding after menopause. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Cervical Cancer be treated?
Screening (Pap smear, HPV test or visual inspection) every few years finds pre-cancer, which is treated with simple outpatient procedures before it ever becomes cancer. Established cancer is treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending on stage. Vaccinate daughters against HPV at the recommended age, and make screening a routine part of adult life from age 25-30.
When should I see a doctor about Cervical Cancer?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: bleeding after sex or between periods; any bleeding after menopause; persistent foul-smelling discharge; aged 25+ and never screened — book a screening visit.