A radiologist, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, has advised female students to abstain from smoking and maintain one sexual partner to avoid cervical cancer.
Prof. Okoye, Director of the University of Nigeria Centre for Clinical Trials, gave the advice on Wednesday in Enugu while sensitizing students of Queens School Enugu on “Contemporary Issues on Cancer: Early Detection and Prevention” to mark World Cancer Day 2026.
The cancer awareness outreach was organized by the Queens School Enugu Old Girls Association (QSEOGA) in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organization Breast Without Spots (BWS).
World Cancer Day is observed globally every February 4, with the 2026 theme being “United by Unique”.
The radiologist noted that many cancers, especially breast and cervical cancers in women, can be caught early, treated successfully, and even prevented.
She added that girls aged nine to 18 are the perfect age to learn about cancer prevention “so you can stay healthy for life.”
Prof. Okoye, an alumna of the school and Head of the Radiology Department at UNTH Enugu, described cervical cancer as “a big problem in Nigeria.”
According to her, almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
“It takes many years for HPV to turn into cancer, so it usually shows up in women aged 30 to 50 and above. But girls your age can prevent it completely,” she said.
She explained that the HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types of HPV responsible for up to 90 per cent of cervical cancers.
“In Nigeria, the government provides this vaccine free to girls aged nine to 14. It’s safe, quick, and one of the best ways to stop cervical cancer forever,” Okoye said.
She advised the students to avoid risky behaviors such as smoking and having multiple sexual partners as they grow up.
“For you now, prevention is everything! Get the HPV vaccine if you’re in the age group (ideally 9–14); talk to your parents or school nurse. It’s cancer prevention in two or three shots,” she said.
The professor also recommended eating nutritious food, playing sports, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol in the future.
“No fear, just action. These cancers are scary to hear about, but knowledge takes away the fear,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Maureen Atuonwu, Enugu State President of the Queens Old Girls Association, explained that they partnered with BWS due to the devastating impact of cancer in Nigeria.
Atuonwu regretted losing her 20-year-old undergraduate daughter to cancer a few years ago due to lack of knowledge about early detection and prevention.
“If I had had this kind of knowledge, my daughter would have lived,” she said.
She urged the students to apply what they learned to improve their lives and those of their loved ones.
In her remarks, the National Secretary of QSEOGA, Dr Amaka Orji, said the awareness programme was initiated by the national body to sensitize students on cancer prevention and treatment.
Orji thanked BWS (led by Prof. Okoye), the school authorities, and the students for participating, and encouraged them to make the most of the training.
The Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Seniorita Okoroafor, speaking on behalf of the students, thanked the organizers and old girls.
She promised that the students would practice what they had learned and share it with their loved ones.
A highlight of the outreach was a practical demonstration of breast self-examination by one of the nurses.
