A consultant gynaecologist at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Dr. Ben Ageda, has urged women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening to promote early detection and prevent avoidable deaths.
Ageda made the call during a two-day free cervical cancer screening exercise at the hospital, where he advocated intensified awareness campaigns to encourage more women to access screening services.
He described cervical cancer as a common disease among women and identified the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact, as its primary cause.
He listed multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, early sexual activity, low immunity and multiple births among the risk factors associated with the disease.
The consultant explained that although cervical cancer affects women, men can also contract HPV and transmit the virus to their partners.
He stressed that no woman should die from a preventable disease, urging sexually active women to undergo regular screening.
Ageda recommended Pap smear testing every three years for eligible women, while women living with HIV should undergo screening annually.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, approved free cervical cancer screening as part of the institution’s medical outreach.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Iwuese Yaikyu Anthonia and Jam Kenneth of the Public Relations and Protocol Department of BSUTH.