European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING ASSESSMENT AMONG CHILD-BEARING WOMEN IN NNEWI METROPOLIS USING THE PAPANICOLOAU TECHNIQUE

Madukwe David Uche Promise, *Okeke Kosisochukwu Ujunwa, Ogenyi Samuel Ifedioranma, Osuagwu Obinwanne Chikamnario, Oli Chidimma Ifeatu, Oha Precious Chinedu

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study was designed to determine the level of awareness and utilization of papanicoloau test as a cervical cancer screening (Premalignant and malignant) method among women of child –bearing age. The cervical smears of 50 child bearing women who had no history of any type of cancer were recruited for the study. Method/Materials: Smears were obtained by introducing a cusco’s speculum into the external ox of the vagina and with the aid of the ayre’s spatula, samples were collected through a 3600 rotation at the squamo columnar junction. After fixation and staining, each slide was meticulously examined. Results: Result obtained shows that about 72% of the subjects have normal cells. The epithelial abnormal cells which includes ASCUS (atypical cells of undetermined significance) is 12%, LSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) is 8% and HSIL (High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) is 8%. Conclusion: These results reveal that majority of the subjects have normal cells which underscore their prior knowledge of cervical cancer. However, they have low level of awareness hence need for more intensified awareness programs through media and seminars to be created among this age group while the adoption of the Pap test for examination of cervical cancer among women should be encouraged.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, Papanicoloau test, Awareness, HSIL, ASCUS, LSIL.