Eat a nutrient-rich diet, get regular health checkups, and support public health efforts like malaria prevention and food fortification—because preventing anaemia starts with both personal and community action.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaemia in Nigeria

Health News and Research

Proteins are vital for building and repairing body tissues and are found in foods like meat, beans, and dairy; Fats don’t necessarily make you fat—healthy unsaturated fats can support your heart and nutrient absorption, while saturated fats should be eaten in small amounts to avoid health risks.

Proteins Build Your Body, Eat it!

In many cases, blindness can be prevented or managed if caught early. Regular eye checkups, good hygiene, proper nutrition, and timely medical treatment are key to protecting vision.

Can you diagnose blindness?

Disease prevention and management

Diabetes in Nigerian children is becoming more common. It happens when the body can’t make or use insulin properly. This can be due to family history, poor diet, or not being active. Managing it early with healthy food, exercise, and the right treatment helps children live well.

How to manage your child's diabetes.

Children's Health

Managing high blood pressure in Nigerian children means finding it early, eating healthier, being more active, and using medicine if needed.

How to manage your child's hypertension

This test determines your genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS, or AC) by identifying the types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is important to confirm your genotype at least twice, preferably from reputable labs, as errors can occur.

How to check your blood genotype before marriage.

Mental Health and Well-being

Weight Management

Cerebral palsy in Nigerian children needs early medical attention for better care and development. Learn the signs, seek help early, and improve your child’s quality of life.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children

Preventing cervical cancer starts with the HPV vaccine and regular screenings. Learn symptoms, stages, treatment options, and support resources.

Stages and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Nigerian Women

Women's Health

Because only women have a Cervix, cervical cancer affects women in the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina.<ul><li>Around 660,000 women were newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer in women globally.</li><li>Cervical cancer is a largely preventable non-communicable disease, with effective strategies available for primary (vaccination), secondary (early detection), and tertiary (management of diagnosed cases) prevention.</li></ul>Everyone talks about Cancer and almost always generally. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, these were familiar terms. Not much or anything at all is ever said about cervical cancer.&nbsp;<h3>What is Cervical Cancer?</h3>Cancer is a group of diseases where some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.<ul><li>It accounts for death every two minutes and nearly 22.5% of those deaths occur in Africa.</li><li>About 8% of the cancer is associated with infections with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)</li><li>More than &nbsp;75,000 new cases and close to 50,000 deaths are reported annually in sub-Saharan Africa</li><li>The World Health Organization projects that by 2030, cervical cancer will claim the lives of more than 443,000 women worldwide, with almost 90% of these fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa.</li></ul>A surge in cervical cancer cases threatens to reverse the advancements made by African women in reducing maternal mortality and enhancing life expectancy.&nbsp;<h1>What causes Cervical Cancer?</h1>The primary cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection with specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a transmitted virus that spreads through sexual contact.Doctors estimate that at least half of sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives; however, only a small percentage of women will develop cervical cancer.<h3>Who is at risk for cervical cancer?</h3>Cervical cancer is often associated with identifiable risk factors. Some of these factors can be modified, while others are beyond your control.Here are some risk factors you can control:<ul><li>Sexual intercourse at an early age:</li><li>HPV infection</li><li>HIV infection</li><li>Weakened immune system</li><li>Multiple pregnancies</li><li>Long term use of birth control pills</li><li>Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been linked to a heightened risk of cervical cancer.</li></ul>While these risk factors are controllable, some are not. Example of an uncontrollable risk factor:<ul><li>Family history</li><li>Age</li></ul><h2>How is cervical cancer diagnosed?</h2><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/k8T9__Kot0/blobs/bl-yrISdcM-gw/49e6af9051a463d1579b8ac42b143c3ae429cf4600c661c8f3e78a62beb3fe9f87ad0f1e9a05b170bc0c3347f027558941ff4c974545d332c26725c961d4c97e11ef404daab8e95695f6e95daa537dd662479fedbe37a9d5528cfa04bac7979b72e593f6" alt="image.png">&nbsp;Her gynecologist had told her that her last heavy flow was due to something called an <a href="https://www.osmosis.org/answers/anovulatory-cycle">anovulatory cycle</a>, which happened because when she had her period her ovaries did not release an egg and It was “nothing to worry about”.&nbsp;So when it happened again in June, she didn’t think much of it until it refused to stop after the expected 3 - 5 days. Mrs B bled for days.&nbsp;She returned to the hospital and had several tests done. A full blood count, an ultrasound scan, her PCV, which indicates the blood level in her body, was normal. The abdominal ultrasound done didn’t show anything abnormal. The labs looked through her results and found nothing extraordinary. Until she did a urinalysis, and they discovered red blood cells in her urine.The doctor again reassured her and recommended she go for a biopsy, where a tiny cut of her cervix will be taken and viewed with a microscope. The biopsy report came back and the unimaginable had happened: Mrs B had cervical cancer.&nbsp;The urinalysis done &nbsp;in the lab, the red blood cells found in her urine, how did they know what it was? Why was her urine unusual today of all days?Cervical cancer develops slowly over many years, hence the need for regular Pap smear.A Pap smear is a process that screens for cervical cancer by collecting cervical cells from the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can also reveal precancerous changes in these cells, enabling early intervention when required.The doctor explained to Sola that in the test, the nurse uses a speculum to gently open the vagina, providing access to the cervix. They then collect cell samples using a soft brush or spatula, which they preserve in a solution and send to a laboratory for analysis.The entire process typically takes just a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort, but it is usually not painful.To detect early signs of cancer, if positive, a biopsy is ordered.The biopsy could be any of the following:<ul><li>Colposcopic biopsy</li><li>Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)</li><li>Cone biopsy</li><li>Endocervical curettage</li><li>Cold knife cone biopsy</li></ul>An HPV DNA test too can be ordered.When the biopsy test comes out as positive, further investigations would be required to determine if the cancer has spread (metastasized) and to what extent.The other test include:<ul><li>Renal function test</li><li>Liver function test</li><li>X-ray of bladder, bowels, intestines</li><li>Urine Test</li><li>Ultrasound</li></ul><blockquote><h3>Support Groups -</h3>Cancer changes dynamics of life for patient and family.Joining a cancer support group can provide emotional relief and connection with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.</blockquote>

How many women can identify their Cervix? Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women, yet it’s preventable and treatable. Find out how to protect yourself.

Cervical Cancer Cases in Nigerian Women.

Nigerians call it Epilepsy. If you have a child with epilepsy, this article will help you learn about seizure disorders in children and how to manage similar cases. 

Seizure Disorders in Nigerian Children

Anaemia is on the rise in Africa, driven by malaria, sickle cell disease, and poor nutrition. Learn the causes, risks, and how to prevent it.

The Prevalence of Anaemia in Africa

Cerebral palsy affects movement and coordination for life. Learn how to support a child with the condition and improve their quality of life.

What you need to know about Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children

Diabetes isn’t just an adult disease; it affects children, too. Here is how to spot risk and understand the issue. 

No pregnant woman should have to worry about pre-eclampsia. Understanding the risks can help ensure a safe pregnancy.

What Every Nigerian Woman should know about Pre-eclampsia

Dementia affects memory and thinking, changing the lives of those diagnosed and their families. Learning the early signs can help you preserve your memories.

Dementia is rising in Africa. Here’s how you can protect your brain

Chronic Illnesses

Blindness can be preventable or unavoidable, but early detection and proper care can make a difference. Learn how to protect your vision.

From proteins to carbohydrates, understanding food classes helps you make better dietary choices for a balanced and healthy life.

With expensive treatments available, prevention remains the best way to combat sickle cell disease.

Sickle Cell Disease 

Poor diet, obesity, and genetics are causing a rise in childhood hypertension, leading to lifelong health risks.

Hypertension in Nigerian Children

Drinking habits can take a toll on your liver. Find out how to protect yourself from alcoholic liver disease.

All Articles