Exposure to early sexual intercourse increases risk of cervical cancer- NOFIC
The National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), in Ebonyi State, has warned against early girl child marriage and exposure to sexual intercourse before age 16, noting that it increases the risk of cervical cancer.
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The Medical Director of NOFIC, Prof. Johnson Obuna, disclosed during the flag-off of a Free Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment for women in the state on Friday.
“Giving out a girl child in marriage before 16 years of age exposes to cancer,” Obuna said.
Medical expert has warned that multiple-choice sexual partners also expose women to the health condition.
He advocated for the inclusion of sex education in primary and secondary schools curriculum to reduce the risk factors for cervical cancer.
The medical director said that the condition could be detected, prevented, and stopped if reported at its early stage.
According to him, cervical cancer could also be treated if identified at an early stage, unlike ovarian cancer.
“Apart from early screening, another preventable measure is by not allowing our girl child to marry early.
“Early marriage and exposure to sexual intercourse before age 16 is a predisposing factor for cervical cancer,” he said.
Martha/Health wise
