By Deborah Mdima Adekaa.

The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has commenced a two-day free cervical cancer screening exercise aimed at promoting early detection and reducing deaths from the preventable disease among women.

The exercise, which began on Tuesday, October 27, and ends Wednesday, October 28, is part of efforts to improve women’s health and encourage regular screening.

A Consultant Gynaecologist at the hospital, Dr. Ben Ageda, who disclosed this during the exercise, called for intensified public awareness to educate women on the importance of early detection, noting that cervical cancer can remain undetected for years before symptoms become apparent.

He explained that persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, is the major cause of cervical cancer. According to him, the virus can remain in the body without obvious symptoms, allowing the disease to progress before it is discovered.

Dr. Ageda identified multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, early sexual activity, low immunity and multiple births as factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease.

He also clarified that although cervical cancer affects women, men can contract HPV and transmit the virus to their sexual partners.

The gynaecologist emphasised that regular screening remains crucial to preventing deaths from cervical cancer, urging sexually active women to seek appropriate medical advice and undergo screening at recommended intervals.

He recommended Pap smear screening every three years for eligible women, while women living with HIV should undergo annual screening. He added that screening for older women should be guided by their previous screening history and professional medical advice.

Dr. Ageda further advocated HPV vaccination for children aged nine to 13, explaining that vaccination before sexual activity begins offers the best protection against HPV infection.

He disclosed that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, approved the free screening exercise to give women an opportunity to access the service, particularly as the cost of treating advanced cervical cancer can be high.

The consultant urged women to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that increased awareness, vaccination and regular screening are essential to reducing the burden of cervical cancer.

Women are encouraged to visit the Chest Clinic at BSUTH, Makurdi, on Wednesday, October 28, for the final day of the free screening exercise