Rising Cervical Cancer Cases Linked to Poor Menstrual Hygiene, Expert Warns

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Dr. Valda Martins, a university lecturer, has highlighted poor menstrual hygiene as a key factor contributing to the rise in cervical cancer and related health issues among women and girls in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of her book Menstrual Hygiene Among Women in Minna, Niger State, she emphasized, “Poor menstrual hygiene management is a major factor responsible for the increasing cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases.”

Dr. Martins also expressed concern over the lack of education surrounding menstrual health, saying, “The lack of awareness and sensitization on menstrual hygiene has left many women and girls unable to properly manage their menstruation.”

During her outreach programs, she found that “90% of the 6,000 girls I interacted with lacked basic knowledge of proper menstrual hygiene.” She warned, “If action is not taken urgently, the cases of cervical cancer and other related diseases will continue to rise.”

Additionally, representatives of former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, echoed the importance of menstrual hygiene, with Hamisu Jankaro stressing, “Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but also a human rights issue.”