Pre-cervical Cancer Signs and Symptoms among Young Women in Nigeria: Implications for Healthy Life

The study examined the incidences of pre-cervical cancer’s signs and symptoms among young women and the consequences on healthy life. The data for the study were extracted from a 2015 National Survey on Breast and Cervical... [ view full abstract ]

The study examined the incidences of pre-cervical cancer’s signs and symptoms among young women and the consequences on healthy life. The data for the study were extracted from a 2015 National Survey on Breast and Cervical Cancers that targeted women of reproductive age (15-49 years) using structured-face-to-face interviews. Data analysis focused on young women (less than 30 years) and employed only univariate and multivariate techniques. The results indicated the level of awareness of cervical cancer is 76%, pap-smear-screening (18%), knowledge of screening centre (11.8%) while hitching, bleeding within periods or pain during intercourse, gonorrhea were believed not to be connected with cervical cancer. The paper concludes that the high prevalence of pre-cervical cancer’s sings observed could heighten cervical cancer incidence rate in the country. The authors recommend informal enlightenment campaign to address young women disposition to these signs and symptoms.

Key words: Cervical cancer, sexual behaviour, women