Cervical Cancer Burden in Nigeria: Review of Current Situation

Abstract

The global drive to achieve cervical cancer elimination requires low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria to identify gaps in cervical cancer prevention and means of bridging the gap in order to be on the path to elimination. This paper did a mini-review of 12 thematic areas related to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in Nigeria, which are important in achieving the 90-70-90 WHO elimination targets. These include awareness, government policies, HPV vaccination, cancer Screening, treatment of preinvasive and invasive cervical disease and palliative care. The state of cancer registries and data management, advocacy and support group, cancer care funding as well as clinical trials were also explored. A literature search was done using PubMed and google-scholar to identify publications on each of the 12 items listed to be reviewed. A five-year filter was used to identify the current situation, when it was not applicable, the search was extended to ten years. Gaps were identified across the thematic areas which will require short and longterm interventions in order for the country to be on the path towards elimination. We concluded that for Nigeria to achieve the WHO Cervical Elimination targets there is a need for systematic multisectoral implementation of policies and plans by stakeholders.