4 hours ago
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Lagos – In celebration of International Women’s Day in Nigeria, the initiative 4 Communities by Communities (4CbyC), dedicated to cervical cancer prevention in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) , has showcased inspiring stories from the Angie Courage Award. These narratives highlight resilience, leadership, and community-driven efforts in the fight against cancer, emphasising the importance of prevention, early detection, and control.
The initiative aims to empower communities and raise awareness about cervical cancer as part of the broader observance of this significant day.
These powerful narratives advocate for women’s health, gender equality, and grassroots action against cervical cancers.
The 4CbyC team, led by its directors Professor Juliet Iwelunmor, Washington University in Saint Louis; Professor Joe Tucker, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, USA and Professor Oliver Ezechi, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
The 4CbyC team underscored the essence of having an accurate diagnosis and a well trained healthcare force in early detection of cervical cancer.
They also identified the HPV vaccination as the only validated means of preventing cervical cancer , while early detection can also be helpful in salvaging patients from the claws of the deadly disease. Again, the experts condemned the rate of medical care inaccessibility by patients, noting that it has led to the demise of many patients, as they urged the government to inculcate cancer care into health insurance scheme.
In a statement made available to Independent Newspapers, Prof. Iwelunmor sadly narrated how one of the women they cared for, Mama Ene eventually died of cervical cancer in 2020, which was due to wrong diagnosis, incapacitated health workers and medical care inaccessibility.
She said, “ Ene took her mother and her little sister, Blessing, for tests. As they wait, Mama reveals that Aunty Evelyn had cervical cancer. Ene’s heart pounded as she whispered, “Does Mama have the cervisha cancer?” Stumbling over the unfamiliar word. Aunty Funke smiled, “Let’s find out.” She took Mama inside for a test, later explaining the test will be sent to a hospital in Akure.
“Days later, the results arrived—stage three. Panic gripped Ene. “Is she going to live?” she cried. “We’ll try our best,” Aunty Funke reassures, promising HPV vaccines for Ene and Blessing. Through tears, Ene whispered, “Long enough for my graduation? My wedding?” Aunty Funke explained the harsh reality— “We’re not cursed,” she says. This is due to a lack of proper healthcare and screening. She spoke of pioneer medical initiative’s mission to bring healthcare to rural areas, hoping for a future where preventable diseases no longer claim lives too soon.”
Also , Prof. Iwelunmor shared how Jennifer battled with cervical and vaginal cancer began in 2013 but was diagnosed four years later, as a result of wrong diagnosis, inequpped health facilities and limited awareness of cervical cancer.
Jennifer struggled with severe itching, open sores, abdominal pain, and abnormal bleeding, Prof. Iwelunmor revealed. ^Unaware of cervical cancer, she sought treatment at multiple hospitals, but her condition worsened. Due to stigma, she kept it secret while doctors misdiagnosed her with various infections.
“In 2016, she visited the hospital, where a Pap smear test wrongly indicated she was cancer-free. With her condition worsening, Jennifer underwent a cervical biopsy, which confirmed she had cervical cancer caused by HPV, which had spread to her vagina. In 2017, she was referred to another tertiary hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy but couldn’t afford the treatment. Worse still, the hospital’s radiotherapy machine was broken.
“Unable to afford conventional treatment, Jennifer turned to herbal medicine in 2017, but her condition worsened. By the time SaliHoe Foundation stepped in, she was bleeding heavily, and her vulva was severely damaged. The foundation provided financial aid and palliative care, but the cancer had already spread to vital organs. Doctors diagnosed her at stage IV, where survival chances were near zero. With no support from her husband and little help from society, Jennifer fought bravely but sadly passed away in 2020 after a long, painful battle.”
To stem the loss of lives through cervical care, Iwelunmor said 4CbyC is partnering with Pinktober, Salihoe Foundation and Femme Health to accelerate action on the prevention and early detection of the deadly disease.
She insisted that vaccines remain the most effective prevention method against cervical cancer, as advocating for the HPV vaccination is a huge effort in cervical cancer control. “Cervical cancer is highly preventable, and no woman should die of the disease,” she asserted.
To break the cycle of silence about the disease, she said the team’s “Know Her, Save Her” campaign uses social media to spread awareness about breast and cervical cancer. Through Instagram Lives, Reels, and graphics, women learn self-examination techniques, hear real-life survivor stories, and are encouraged to get routine screenings”
Beyond education, Prof. Joe Tucker emphasised the essence of virtual events, noting they foster a safe space where women openly share their experiences, breaking the stigma around cancer. “The “Pinktober” campaign further highlights survivors as symbols of hope, amplifying their voices through live sessions that reach thousands. To protect young women, vaccine campaigns promote HPV vaccination as a key step in cancer prevention. Interactive Q&A sessions and Instagram polls address concerns, while digital scheduling tools connect participants to clinics.”
FemmeHealth, is another partner of 4CbyC that leverages the digital-first approach to ensure that no woman is left behind, regardless of her location or background. From accessing resources to engaging in vibrant online communities, FemmeHealth’s initiatives are rooted in empathy and innovation.
Iwelunmor concluded, ‘alongside We the Women, a future is envisioned where stigma no longer silences conversations, where every woman has access to life-saving prevention tools, and where communities—both online and offline—come together to save lives. Empowering women, fighting for equity, and standing united against cancer is the mission. One click, one story, and one life at a time”.
English (US) ·