Publication:

Screening of pre cancer and cancer cervix by Pap smear among women in reproductive age group: a community based study

Background Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. The disproportionately high burden of cervical cancer in developing countries is largely due to a lack of screening that allows detection of precancerous and early stage cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to identify pre cancer, cancer of cervix by Pap smear test and the factors associated with cervical cancer.

Methods A cross sectional study was done among married women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years in the urban field practice area of A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, from Jan 2013 to March 2013. The study comprised of 357 women. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Screening was done by Pap smear test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results 49.6% women were in the age group of 40-49 years. 62 (17.4%) were illiterates. 67.5 % belonged to low socioeconomic status. Pap smear test detected premalignant lesions among 2.1% women; no cancer cervix cases were detected. Association between premalignant lesion and educational status, early age at marriage, multi parity, erosion cervix was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions Regular cytological screening by Pap smear will help in early detection of precancerous lesions and thereby prevent cancer cervix.