High-risk factors for cervical cancer. An epidemiological study in SWA/Namibia

In an epidemiological study conducted in SWA/Namibia to document the prevalence of high-risk factors for cervical cancer 754 women belonging to a number of ethnic groups were examined. The prevalence of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and human papillomavirus infection was among the highest reported in the world. There was also an alarming incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases and disturbingly low usage of contraceptive methods. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive, well-organised cytological screening programme if an 'epidemic' of cervical cancer is to be prevented in SWA/Namibia. There was good evidence to suggest that an identical situation exists in the RSA.