The pattern of gynaecological malignancy in Zimbabwe

This study was based on clinical and histological diagnosis of 1251 consecutive cases, referred to Harare Central Hospital for Specialist attention between January 1981 and December 1983. The frequency of each gynaecological malignancy was as follows: cervix - 78%, choriocarcinoma - 8%, endometrial carcinoma - 6%, ovarian carcinoma - 5%, vulva and vagina - 3%. The study showed that cancer of the cervix was the commonest type in African women who were 99% semiliterate rural women of low socio-economic status and who presented in 76% of the cases with advanced malignancy. It was concluded that the most practicable way of preventing cervical cancer in African women is intensive health education in rural areas to make women aware of the early symptoms of the disease.