Screening for Cervical Cancer: Experience from a University Hospital in North Western Nigeria (2007‑2009)

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer among women in Nigeria. The incidence is on the increase and poses a public health problem. The etiological agent is the human papilloma virus that is sexual transmitted. The cervical cancer incidence is related to lifestyle, poverty and sexual practices. Fortunately, it is a preventable disease as it is preceded by a pre�invasive phase that can be detected and treated. There is paucity of report in literature on cervical cancer screening in Sokoto North�West Nigeria. Aim: To determine the uptake, indications and results of cervical cancer screening in Usmanu Dan�fodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A 3�year descriptive study of the results of cervical cytology among women who attended the gynaecological out�patient clinic of UDUTH, Sokoto. Results: During the period of study, 126 cervical smears were taken and 96% (121/126) of them were considered adequate for cytological evaluation thus constituting the subjects of the study. The average annual uptake of cervical smear was 1.29%. The main indications for cytologic smears were abnormal uterine bleeding 33.9% (41/121) and suspected carcinoma of the cervix 28.1% (34/121). Cytologic study was positive for dysplastic cells in 7% (25/121) of cases. Ten percent (12/121) of them were high grade squamous intra�epithelial lesions while invasive carcinoma was seen in 3.3% (4/121) of the smears. Conclusion: Presence of abnormal cervical smear in 20% of the study subjects underscores the need for routine screening for cervical cancer. While organized national screening policy is awaited, opportunistic screening should be maximized.

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