Cervical Cancer Screening: An Experience from the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To report and analyze the results of a Pap Smear screening outreach programme organized in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and compare these with other parts of the world. Methods: A one-day cervical cancer screening programme was organized in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Cervical smears were collected from voluntary participants after a short interview and sent to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed for differences in proportion using the Chi square by SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 75 smears were collected and analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 35.99 years while the age range was 21-62 years. Three smears (4.0%) were unsatisfactory. Cervical smears were normal in 65 cases (86.7%) while 7 participants (9.4%) showed cervical squamous abnormalities with 2 cases (2.7%) diagnosed as ASCUS and 5 cases (6.7%) as LGSIL. Three (60.0%) participants with LGSIL were younger than 30 years old with the youngest being 21 years old. All cases of LGSIL showed evidence of the cytopathic effects of HPV. Conclusion: Pre-invasive cervical lesions and HPV infections occur very early and at high frequencies in some Nigerian populations. Therefore, well-organised cervical cancer screening programmes need to be established in order to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality.