By Praise Chinecherem
Rock Foundation for Widows, Orphans and Less Privilege (ROFWOL) has urged women to go for Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, screening annually or risk the attack Cervical cancer.
Founder of the group, Mrs. Favour Chika-Okafor gave the advice while addressing women in Nnewi as part of activities to mark the World Cervical Cancer Month and Week.
She regretted that Cervical cancer has taken over lives of many women, warning women and sexually exposed girls to desist from exposing themselves sexually and also go for regular HPV, screening.
She said that over 8000 women die annually of Cervical cancer in Nigeria, adding that negligence is dangerous and early detection increases the chances of survival.
She said, “Cervical cancer could be prevented if we spread the news to our fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers. sisters and our friends out there. That is our duties and responsibilities towards them.
“It has become very imperative for men and women to avoid multiple/indiscriminate sex partners. We also urge fathers and mothers to catch their girls young by telling them the dangers of premarital sex which could expose them to Cervical cancer.
“We also appeal to the well placed people in the society to sponsor the economically disadvantaged women, widows and girls to get screened and vaccinated for HPV, as such will help drive Cervical cancer out of the world.
“Good spirited individuals in the country should join hands with us to spread the news, not HPV virus.”
According to Chika-Okafor, the event’s theme entitled, “Creating awareness on Cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus and Pap Smear Screaming” is to combat the menace of the second most prevalent cancer that affects women in Nigeria.
