Abstract B35: Effect of socioeconomic status on the occurrence of precancerous lesions of the cervix. Free

Cervical cancer accounts for 80% of the total genital cancers in India. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between socioeconomic status such as - age, education, age at the time of marriage, income, contraceptive usage, menstrual/obs history, hygiene, diet and the occurrence of pre-cancerous legions of cervix.

We studied the above SES indicators in 800 female patients between 2002-2005 who undergone pap smear for clinical diagnosis in Zanana hospital, Jaipur, India by filling up perfoma which included their demographic data, past and present history, family, menstrual, marital and OBS history and the details of genetic disorders as well.

Positive correlation between indicators of decreasing social class and increase incidence of pre-cancerous legions of cervix were seen. Our patient knowledge of cervical cancer was poor. Predictive value positive was found to be 13.33%, which result when the pap smear yields a high proportion of true positives (i.e., > 10%) which also indicates high prevalence of pre clinical disease. The incidence increases at about 35-40 years and reaches maximum in women in there 50’s, only 4 out of 88 patients who were tested positive for pap smear were educated up to X grade. Average age at the time of marriage was in between 13-14 years, which in turn reflect early age at first intercourse. Use of OC was noted in 50% of cases. Irregular menstrual history with poor hygiene was seen in 90% of the cases, diet poor in vitamins and limited access to early prevention was seen in almost all patients.

The lack of effective screening, lack of analysis of cervical disease and ways to prevent the disease, difficulty getting to clinic and hospitals, the need of multiple hospital visit and high cost associated with screening, myths and misconception about the disease also pose barriers to prevention. Educational efforts, the screen and treat approach to prevention and organized health information system will reduce the burden of disease.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B35.