Cervical Cancer Screening: Risk factors for cervical neoplasia among rural women of Nanded Maharashtra

Abstract

Cancer of the cervix uteri is the second most common cancer among women worldwide; most frequent cancer in women in India. It is also the most common cancer in women in many parts of the world including South-Central Asia. Papanicolaou (pap) smear detects aberrations (if any) in cervix epithelium i.e. dysplasia and early cervix cancer. It is the most appropriate method over HPV screening or HPV vaccination in Indian settings. Screening of high risks for cervical cancer with pap smear will yield better in terms of lives saved and cancers prevented. The present study was conducted to study cytological findings in cervical discharge by Pap smear and to evaluate role of cytology in early detection of cellular aberration like cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and malignancy by The Bethesda System -2001. Age, premalignant cervical epithelial changes, post menopausal women and high parity were observed to be risk factors for cervical neoplasia on pap smear. Increasing parity is observed to be significantly and independently increases risk of cervical neoplasia. Screening of women in reproductive age by pap smear for cervical cancer is recommended especially in resource poor countries like India.