Cervical Cancer: Overview and Prevention

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND.Cervical cancer though a preventable disease; still has an estimated mortality of 80% from invasive cervical cancer in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of cervical cancer and the various modalities available for screening and prevention of cervical cancer.METHODOLOGY: Google search and review of the literature of published works on overview of cervical cancer and its various modalities for screening and prevention were utilised.RESULTS.The incidence; aetiology; risk factors; clinical features; management and prevention of cervical cancer in Nigeria and as compared worldwide is presented. The reduction in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in developed countries is related to the fact that cervical cancer screening is well institutionalized.CONCLUSION.Cervical cancer is the commonest genital tract malignancy in Nigeria. It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the HPV. It is preventable! Vaccination against HPV is available worldwide and in Nigeria. It is thus imperative that the general public and medical personnel in particular appreciate the clinical importance of cervical cancer; and effectively outline the modalities for preventing cervical cancer; and thus advocate for institutionalizing cervical cancer screening activities in the Nigerian setting: