Screening is a process of detecting very early signs of cancer to prevent its progress. Routine screening is an indispensable tool in the prevention of Cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. Screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions in women is a cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer. 

Several tests can be used in screening for cervical cancer. Pap Smear is the most commonly used screening method for cervical cancer. The Pap smear (cytology) is the only test that has been used in large populations and that has been shown to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Other tests include Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA), Visual Inspection With Lugol’s Iodine (VILI), Human PapillomaVirus test, Liquid Based Cytology (LBC).

Routine screening for cervical cancer is currently advised by WHO to commence from age 26 for all individuals with a cervix. Formerly, this was advised from age 21. However, if you experience any symptoms and your doctor sees the need for you to get a pap smear at an age earlier than 21, then don’t deny yourself the chance. Vaccination is more effective before sexual debut because the chances are slimmer for one to have come in contact with HPV (HumanPappiloma Virus). Also, the immune system is stronger in younger people. Vaccination is advised from age 9 – 26 using the Cervarix vaccine and from age 9-45 using the Gardasil vaccine (Which can be used for men and women alike). Fully vaccinating young boys against HPV reduces their chances of having the virus and ultimately reduces the chances of transferring it to women.

A barrage of screening and diagnostic centers are available in Nigeria. Some of these clinics also offer vaccination, and this can go with vaccination. People that are not sexually active do not need to be screened before vaccination.

COST OF SCREENING

The cost of screening varies from center to center, as such, it’s best to call each center to confirm the prices. Averagely the price range are;
VIA – 2000 – 5000 Naira
Pap smear – 3500- 15000 Naira
HPV screening – 10000- 15000 Naira

Generally, the cost is cheaper in government-owned hospitals and NGOs. As some hospitals like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Community medicine department) charge as low as 3500 Naira for Pap smear and an additional 500 naira for consumables.

Several organizations and NGOs also host outreaches and offer free screening especially between January and February as these are the Cervical Cancer awareness months, so it’s important to be on the lookout for such opportunities. Do well to locate a center closest to you and get screened.

Below is a comprehensive list of some screening centers in Nigeria: 

ABIA

        ABA

Pap Smear/VIA Test

       UMUAHIA

Pap Smear Test⠀

ABUJA:⠀

January offer: (Mention SMILE With Me foundation when booking).
Pap Test: 30% off
Liquid-Based Cytology: N30% off
HPV Testing: 20% off.

Screening Tests: VIA, Pap Test, HPV Vaccination.

DELTA:

Pap Smear Test⠀

Pap Smear Test

Pap Test

EDO

Pap Test⠀

Pap Test⠀

Pap Test ⠀

KADUNA

Pap Test

KANO

Pap Test⠀

KWARA

LAGOS 

Colposcopy and Cryotherapy treatment available.

Pap Test

Pap Test⠀

Liquid-Based Cytology.HPV vaccination is available.⠀

Screening Test: VIA⠀
(Monday to Thursday).
Free on Fridays throughout January.⠀

Liquid-Based Cytology
HPV Vaccination and HPV Testing⠀

Screening Test: Pap Test⠀
HPV Vaccination available

Pap Test⠀

Pap Test⠀

Screening Tests;
Pap Test, HPV DNA Testing.

Pap Test⠀

Lekki:

The Oncopadiapp is also available for download. You can order a test online. Oncoshop Signin

OGUN

VIA.
Free every 3rd week of the month.⠀
Thursday – Saturday. 08132354647

OSUN

OYO

Pap Test⠀

PLATEAU

Pap Test

RIVERS

HPV Testing and Vaccination available (Mention CancerAware when booking)

 

I hope this helps you on your journey towards achieving health and wellness. We will do well to update this list as we progress. If your center would like to partner with us to connect more women to screening services, do well to send us an email. Don’t forget, early detection is key. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable. Let’s collectively reduce the statistics. Read, comment and share.

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