Epidemiology of Cancer of the Cervix in Rivers State, Niger Delta

The epidemiology of cancer of the cervix refers to the scientific study of the spread and control of the disease. In the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, cervical cancer presents as a public health concern among women in their prime age. This cancer of the uterine cervix is usually followed by a long phase of pre-invasive disease that lasts for about 10-15 years. It is characterized by a spectrum of events which progresses from cellular-dysplasia to invasive cervical cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women not only in Niger Delta Region, but worldwide. Its incidence rate is approximately 25 per 100,000 women. If we were to conduct a one-time screening over one year, 8000 new invasive cervical cancers would be detected. Basic and epidemiologic research conducted during the past 15-20 years has provided overwhelming evidence regarding the etiologic role of infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV) as the primary cause of cervical cancer. The relative risks of cervical cancer following HPV infection as ascertained in case-control and cohort studies are among the highest in cancer epidemiology. Virtually all cervical carcinoma specimens contain HPV DNA, which suggests that HPV infection is a related cause of cervical neoplasia. Therefore, detailed knowledge of cervical cancer will help reduce its occurrence in an undeveloped region such as Niger Delta, Nigeria.