Cervical cancer screening in Doukoula- the far north region of Cameroon

Abstract

With a morbidity of 600,000 cases and 375,000 lethal cases per year, cervical cancer (CC) is the second most prevalent gynecological cancer all over the world. Because of the absence of a widespread preventative campaign, CC has a significant impact in developing countries. An acceptable, efficient, and cost-effective screening technique in low-income nations is the visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine. By conducting a CC screening exercise in Doukoula, we hope to ignite the culture of CC screening campaigns in the Kar-Hay health district in the extreme north of Cameroon. Methods: Doukoula District Hospital hosted a one-week CC screening and treatment exercise from the 3rd of November 2021 to the 9th of November 2021. Treatments for dysplastic lesions included thermal coagulation and LEEP. To improve cervix visibility, a MobileODT colposcopic gadget was used. Results: 306 women in all agreed to take part in the study. A screening uptake of 82% was achieved, with 251 of them completing the process. 7 (2.8%) declared being HIV positive. The mean age of this study was 37.33. We had 31 cases of dysplasia (12.75%) and 1 case of cervical cancer (0.4%). Out of 251 participants, only 3 (1.2%) had undergone CC screening, and just one had received an HPV vaccination in the past. Five CIN-1 cases, aged 25 years and below, did not receive any treatment. The 11 cases of CIN 1 aged over 25 years and the 13 CIN 2 cases were eligible for thermotherapy. The two CIN-3 cases had a LEEP, and a sample was taken for pathology analysis. 20 presented themselves for treatment. The total uptake for treatment was 76.72%. Conclusion: Despite growing recognition that cervical cancer is a disease that can be prevented, relatively little is being done to increase vaccine, screening, and treatment rates. While waiting for the development of efficient national screening systems, the use of a “see and treat” screening strategy is a reasonable method of approach for the prevention of CC in low-income countries.