Dr. P. Amina Alio, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Community and Family Health, has initiated a research project on cervical cancer in Niger.  “Chronic diseases have been ignored in sub-Saharan Africa in favor of infectious diseases”, said Dr. Alio.  Yet, it is estimated that the rate of cervical cancer in poor countries is 15 times higher than industrialized countries.  According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. In Niger, specifically, the incidence of cervical cancer in women between 15-44 years of age is so high that it becomes the leading type of cancer, beating out breast cancer which holds the highest prevalence across the lifespan.  “These statistics are most likely underestimates, since they are based on hospital data alone. We know that in poor countries many are ill and die outside of the hospital.  In these cases causes of death are not recorded”, said Dr. Alio.  There is a lack of data on the state of cervical cancer in Niger.  To help bridge this informational gap, Dr. Alio is collecting preliminary data on prevalence, prevention and available treatment.  In addition, she is administering a survey on knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention and detection.  “Screening exams such as pap smears, which are the primary mode of early detection of cervical cancer, are not part of routine physical exams for women in Niger”, said Dr. Alio.  Hence the high mortality rate due to a cancer that is highly preventable and curable. Dr. Alio traveled to Niger in November of 2008 and February of this year to begin data collection.  She aims to identify the gaps in knowledge of cervical cancer among healthcare workers as well as the general population.  “Preliminary findings reveal that healthcare providers are lacking in their own knowledge of the disease as well as in the training needed to perform a Pap test”, said Dr. Alio.  Another objective of the research is to identify socioeconomic and cultural barriers to cervical cancer screening.  “This information will aid in directing future research and in developing interventions”, said Dr. Alio. 

Participating in this initiative are Dr. Ellen Daley, Dr. Phil Marty and Dr. Hamisu Salihu, and MPH student Christina Barzelay.