Cancer

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HPV VACCINE IN CERVICAL CANCER PREVENGTION FOR GIRLS

Cancer, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) being the primary cause. Fortunately, advances in medical science have made cervical cancer largely preventable through the HPV vaccine. This vaccine plays a critical role in safeguarding girls’ health by preventing HPV infections, which can lead to cervical cancer and other related diseases.

HPV is a common virus, with more than 100 strains, out of which certain high-risk types like HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, primarily during sexual activity. Most HPV infections resolve on their own, but persistent infections with high-risk strains can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, eventually leading to cervical cancer.

Benefits of the HPV Vaccine for Girls

Preventing Cervical Cancer: The primary benefit of the HPV vaccine is its ability to prevent cervical cancer. By protecting against the high-risk HPV strains, the vaccine dramatically reduces the incidence of precancerous cervical lesions and, over time, cervical cancer itself. Countries that have achieved high vaccination coverage have observed declines of 73–85% in vaccine-type HPV prevalence, and declines of 41–57% in high grade lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, grade 2 or worse) among young women, less than 10 years after implementation of HPV vaccination.¹

Protection Against Other Cancers: In addition to cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also provides protection against other cancers caused by HPV, including cancers of the vagina, vulva, and oropharynx (throat). This broad protection further underscores the importance of the vaccine in promoting long-term health for girls.

Reducing Healthcare Burden: By preventing cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine helps to reduce the overall healthcare burden. Fewer cases of cervical cancer mean fewer medical treatments, surgeries, and long-term care needs, benefiting both individual families and healthcare systems.

For the HPV vaccine to have its full impact, it is essential to ensure that all girls have access to it, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.

Many low- and middle-income countries face challenges in providing widespread access to the vaccine, but initiatives by governments, global health organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to close this gap.

In 2023, CFHI took part in a training for Civil Society Organizations focused on integrating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Nigeria’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule. After the training, CFHI with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) led several weeks of intensive community dialogue, training of community workers, sensitization, and referral efforts to promote HPV vaccine uptake in the Kuduru Community, Abuja. These efforts reached around 4,000 individuals, resulting in the successful mobilization of 2,300 girls for HPV vaccination in the Kurudu ward.

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against cervical cancer, offering girls protection against the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases. By getting vaccinated early, girls can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related cancers. With widespread adoption of the vaccine, we can move closer to a future where cervical cancer is a preventable disease, ensuring that girls grow up healthy, empowered, and free from the threat of this life-threatening condition.

It is vital for families, communities, and healthcare providers to work together in promoting HPV vaccination and addressing any misconceptions. Visit the nearest healthcare facility or reach out to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for more details on HPV vaccination.

Reference:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30068-4/fulltext

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON PROSTATE CANCER OVERVIEW-SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Cancer, Men's Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

In Nigeria, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men and a hospital prevalence of 182.5 per 100,000 male admissions was recorded in 2010 in Osun State.1

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. Males have a little gland called the prostate that resembles a walnut that secretes seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm.

In it’s early stage, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, but may result in indications and symptoms like: difficulty urinating, a weaker stream of pee, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, bone pain, weight loss without attempting, and erectile dysfunction when the cancer becomes advanced.2

Options for treating prostate cancer rely on a number of variables, including how quickly the disease is developing, if it has spread, your general health, and the potential advantages or disadvantages of the treatment. Some of the treatment options include; surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, freezing or heating prostate tissue, and hormone therapy.

Around 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer at some point in their life. However, only 1 in 41 of these will die as a result. This is because treatment is effective, especially in the early stages. Routine screening enables doctors to detect many cases of prostate cancer before they spread.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to create awareness of the need for routine check-ups to prevent advanced-stage prostate cancer.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

#MondayHealthBurst #MensHealth #ProstateCancer

References:

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON CANCER OVERVIEW- SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Cancer / cfhinitiative

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths1. Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of cells that invade and destroy surrounding tissues. These cells can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications if left untreated. While the exact cause of cancer is often multifactorial and not fully understood, certain risk factors, such as genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and infections, can increase the likelihood of developing cancer.

The signs and symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type and location of the disease. However, some general symptoms may indicate the presence of cancer, including:

Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss, especially without changes in diet or exercise habits, may be a warning sign of various cancers, such as pancreatic, stomach, or lung cancer.

Fatigue: Persistent fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest can be a symptom of many types of cancer, as the body’s energy resources are diverted to fighting the disease.

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as blood in the stool or urine, prolonged constipation or diarrhea, or changes in urinary frequency, can be indicative of colorectal, bladder, or prostate cancer.

Persistent Pain: Chronic pain that does not resolve with usual treatments or persists beyond the expected healing time may signal the presence of cancer, especially if it is localized to a specific area or worsens over time.

Lumps or Abnormalities: The presence of lumps, bumps, or swelling in the body, particularly in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or other soft tissues, should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they can be early signs of cancer.

Changes in Skin: Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of moles, freckles, or skin lesions, as well as the development of new growths or sores that do not heal, should be examined by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.

There are over 100 different types of cancer, each with its own unique characteristics, risk factors, and treatment approaches. Some common types of cancer include2:

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast tissue and can occur in both men and women. It is often detected through breast self-exams, mammograms, or clinical screenings.

Lung Cancer: Lung cancer develops in the tissues of the lungs and is strongly associated with smoking, although non-smokers can also develop the disease. Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and typically develops from precancerous polyps. Screening tests such as colonoscopies can detect early-stage disease when treatment is most effective.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland of men and is one of the most common cancers in males. Screening tests such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages.

Skin Cancer: Skin cancer develops in the cells of the skin and is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of skin cancer to other parts of the body.

Cancer is a formidable adversary that requires a comprehensive understanding of its symptoms and types to facilitate early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. By recognizing the warning signs of cancer and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and improve their chances of survival. Additionally, ongoing research and advancements in cancer treatment offer hope for more effective therapies and improved outcomes for cancer patients in the future.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.