I got the shock of my life 4 days ago. Last Saturday, I met a childhood
friend Shola, who also doubles as my family doctor. We had an extensive
discussion, reminiscing over our childhood days. We talked about many
things, our secondary school adventures, old class mates, and so on. Our
discussion turned sour when he told me about his secondary school
crush, Bimpe, who recently died of cervical cancer. May her gentle soul
rest in peace I muttered.
He further went on to tell me about cervical cancer, a cancer peculiar
to females. The cause of cervical cancer is Human Papilloma Virus and
how it is transmitted via sex. I had thought condom use protects against
all forms of sexually transmitted infections but I was wrong, Human
papilloma virus is an exception. This virus also causes genital warts in
some cases, he said. He explained the deficiency in our country, that
in saner climes, the vaccine is given to school age children especially
between the ages 10 and12. Gardasil, the vaccine is more effective in
this age group because most are yet to be sexually active. I told him my
daughter who is presently age 10 will benefit from this. We agreed I
bring her for the vaccine next weekend.
During dinner that day, I decided to raise the discussion. I told my
daughter about the cervical cancer vaccine and its benefits on her
health. I had wanted to be sure she was still a virgin so I played a
fast one on her. I told her being a virgin is a pre-requisite for this
vaccine, though this is an erroneous belief by many. That night I got
the shocker of my life. I saw the changed reaction on my daughters face.
‘So you are not a virgin!’ I screamed. Immediately, I lost the appetite
for food. A bad news it was. I wished it was a joke. At ten!
She confided in her mother that she got deflowered a year ago. I felt
like a failed father, I had no clue all along. Where I’ve missed it?
This world has turned something else.Get your daughters vaccinated
against cervical cancer today.
Of all the female cancers, cervical cancer is the only one that offers
great potentials for prevention. It takes about 15 to 20 years to
develop from precancerous state to cancer.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing countries. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide after cancer of the breast with 85% of deaths occurring in developing countries.
W.H.O recommends screening of at least once in a life time for women in developing world.
Screening test involves Pap smear, visual inspection and HPV testing.
See your doctor today for a comprehensive screening..
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in developing countries. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide after cancer of the breast with 85% of deaths occurring in developing countries.
W.H.O recommends screening of at least once in a life time for women in developing world.
Screening test involves Pap smear, visual inspection and HPV testing.
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