PAP SMEAR STUDY FOR CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN POSITIVE CASES

Abstract

Background Objective: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide after breast cancer. It is one of the most preventable and curable of all cancer. The objective of this study was to screen the women for precancerous cervical changes and to evaluate their associated risk factors.

Material and Methods: This is prospective cross-sectional hospital based study conducted in 2 hospitals from Jan 2011 to Dec 2013. Married women aged 20-55 who presented to Gynae OPD after informed consent was included in the study. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, acute pelvic infection, heavy vaginal bleeding and history of hysterectomy.

Results: Out of 1,000 women in which pap smear were taken, 240 lost to follow up. Out of 760 patient pap smear were normal in 170 (22.3%) patients. In 547 (71.9%) patients pap smear showed inflammatory changes. Atrophic changes were seen in 13 patients. Patients with positive changes were 14 (1.84%). Out these 8 (1.05%) were showing ASCUS, 2 (0.26%) patients with CIN I, 2 (0.26%) patient with CIN II and 1 (0.13%) with CIN III and 1 patient with squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion: Pap smear has proven to save lives by early diagnosis. There is definite possibility of primary prevention approach by life style modification through health education about the cervical cancer and its associated risk factors highlighting the importance of increase in the age of marriage, screening program in hospital should be mandatory especially targeting specific age group for detecting precancerous condition before they progress to invasive cancer. The role of vaccine for HPV should be emphasized.