Community-Based Cervical Cancer Screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a leading cancer among women in Nepal.
• Effective screening is crucial for reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality.
• This study assessed precancerous lesion prevalence in community-based screening programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cervical precancerous lesions.
• To identify risk factors associated with these lesions in Nepalese women.
• To inform public health strategies for cervical cancer control.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing record review.
• Data collected from community-based screening programs across 14 districts in Nepal.
• Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening of 7,270 women from June 2017 to December 2018.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of cervical precancerous lesions was 2.1% (153/7,270).
• Highest prevalence (3%) observed in women aged 30 years and below.
• Key risk factors identified: majority married before 20 years (61%), family history of cancer (3%), common symptoms included abdominal/back pain and vaginal discharge.

Conclusions:

• Cervical precancerous lesions are prevalent, with significant risk factors present in Nepalese women.
• Sustained, population-based screening and awareness programs are recommended.
• Screening criteria should incorporate young women with identified risk factors.