A comprehensive assessment of cervical cancer risk factors, screening modalities, and cytological outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To assess risk factors, awareness, screening practices and cytological outcomes related to cervical cancer.

Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2020 at tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, after approval from the ethics review committee of the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, and comprised women aged 15-45 years presenting with or without cervicovaginal infections at least 48 hours after the end of menstruation. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical risk factors, and awareness level regarding cervical cancer and screening were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.

Results: Among the 90 female subjects with 28.6 ± 7.4 years early childbirth 69(76.7%), multiparity 57(63.3%) and recurrent cervicovaginal infections 79(87.8%) were the most common factors. No subject was familiar with the human papillomavirus, and none had ever undergone a Papanicolaou test. Cytological analysis showed inflammation in 65(72.2%) cases, and atypical findings in 23(25.6%). Additional findings included infections, such as Escherichia coli 17(18.9%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 10(11.1%), with 29(32.2%) participants testing positive for Trichomonas vaginalis.

Conclusion: The level of awareness regarding cervical cancer and screening practices was alarmingly low, underscoring the need for structured cervical cancer screening and education programmes in Pakistan.

Key Words: Uterine cervical neoplasms, Papanicolaou test, Liquid-based cytology, Human papillomavirus, Health knowledge, Attitudes, Practice.