Cervical Cancer

Human Development Foundation Bangladesh > Cervical Cancer

 

Cervical cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, but the second leading cause of cancer death in women in low-income countries (WHO report 2006). The incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in the developed countries has decreased steadily over the past 40 year, primarily due to pap’s smear screenings.

Pap's Smear Test

Pap smear is an important screening tool for the early detection of cervical cancer where a sample of cells are taken from the cervix by a trained doctor or nurse, and examined under a microscope. The test detects cancer cell of the cervix. It is also useful in detecting other abnormal cells. The abnormal cells called cervical dysplasia. If it is left untreated, the cells could grow further and over time becomes cancerous. If women had regular Pap smear test, 90% of cervical cancer would be prevented. Pap Smear screening program was launched in 2006 by HDF.

Marital status of Pap's Smear clients

In the study, most of clients within 25 � 34 yrs (27% 25 -29 yrs age and 24 % 30 � 34 yrs age) age are selected for Pap's smear test. Married women are significantly received more than unmarried and divorced women due to more married women are examined for MR and other reproductive health services than unmarried or divorced women. The women who have four or more children are identified for pap's smear screening test than the women who have one, two or three children.

Pap's Smear results of the clients

Pap results Number Percentage
No Inflammation 1195 4.6
Reactive Cellular Change    
Mild Inflammation 10166 39.3
Moderate Inflammation 8950 34.6
Severe Inflammation 5126 19.8
Abnormal (atypical) cells 364 1.4
Positive for Malignancy 29 .1
Radiation induced change 4 .0
Vault Smear 5 .0
Total 25839 100.0

From this study it is explained that the women who are receiving Pap smear service from the clinics, significant portions (94%) of them are suffering from different types of inflammations (mild, moderate and severe inflammation). The Pap smear facility has helped to diagnose and offer appropriate treatment for those women. Women with malignancy and abnormal cells are referred for further specific investigation, specific treatment and further follow up from the clinic. Without this program they may remain unscreened and subsequently lead to develop more serious complications and at later stage may develop cervical cancer. So the Pap smear service is contributing to awareness, prevention as well as treatment for carcinoma in situ. All women who have had sexual intercourse are potentially at risk because they might have been infected with HPV. Cervical cancer is most commonly found in women in their 40s and 50s. The women most at risk are those who have never been screened, had sexual intercourse and children at a young age, have had more than 5 children, have multiple partners or partners who have multiple partners, and smoke tobacco. Pap's smear test is one of the most important cervical cancer screening tests. A Woman between the ages of 25 and 65 years (or according to national norms) should have a screening test. Early detection, early treatment can save many lives.