The Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation has issued a fresh warning that engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer. The organisation emphasised that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases—is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
The warning was delivered on Monday during a sensitisation programme for secondary school students in Ibadan, organised to commemorate the 2024 World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
Medical Officer with the Foundation, Dr. Anjola Oluwadamilola, highlighted that at least 80% of women will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. She stressed the importance of vaccinating young girls before their first sexual experience to drastically reduce future risks.
She explained,
“More than 95% of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including intercourse or any genital contact. Multiple sexual partners significantly increase the risk. HPV serotypes 16 and 18 are the major culprits. The vaccine works best before exposure but still offers protection even after sexual debut.”
Dr. Anjola further identified early marriage, early sexual debut, early pregnancy, short birth intervals, smoking, poor access to screening, and weakened immunity as additional risk factors.
She urged parents to prioritise HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, while encouraging older adolescents and young women—aged 15 to 26—to utilise the available “catch-up” doses. She also advised regular cervical screening beginning from age 21.
The sensitisation, themed “Act Now; Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” engaged students from TAAS Group of Schools and Comfort De Johnson Royal College, Ibadan.
Chief of Operations of the Foundation, Dr. Olamiji Ajanaku, lamented that despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer still claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually—most of them in low- and middle-income countries.
He stated,
“Over 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, and 350,000 died. Nearly 94% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income nations like ours. Yet cervical cancer is preventable. Almost 99% of cases are linked to HPV, making vaccination and screening essential.”
Ajanaku urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community figures to prioritise HPV vaccination for young girls and screening for women aged 30 to 49, ensuring no woman is left untreated.
Other speakers at the event included Mrs. Busayo Adeyoyin, Head of Administration; Mr. Oladimeji Akanni, Human Resources Manager; and Mr. Kadan David, Head of Programmes.
