FG: Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Remain Low in Nigeria
Only 6% of Nigerian women have ever been screened for breast cancer and just 3% for cervical cancer, according to the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report. Low awareness, limited access to services, and financial constraints are the primary barriers, leading to late-stage diagnosis and high mortality rates. Breast and cervical cancer are now leading causes of cancer deaths among Nigerian women, with 80% of cases presenting at advanced stages and less than 25% achieving overall survival. Early detection improves survival and reduces treatment costs, but most women only seek help when symptoms appear. The government intensified HPV vaccination efforts in 2025, vaccinating 16.7 million adolescent girls with coverage above 80% in states like Nassarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and Katsina. However, coverage remains low in Anambra, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa. To address gaps, experts recommend increasing public awareness, expanding screening services in primary healthcare facilities, and subsidizing costs for vulnerable populations.