Abstract
IntroductionCervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in females worldwide. Every year estimated 528,000 new cases occur, out of which 85% cases are in developing countries. There were approximately 266,000 deaths for carcinoma cervix worldwide in 2012. The introduction of Papanicolaou (Pap) test led to significant reduction in mortality and morbidity. Lack of awareness, unwillingness for the test and non-availability of resources for undertaking Pap smear has taken a serious toll in prevention of cervical cancer which is the common gynaecological cancer in India.Material and MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 apparently healthy ladies between 21 and 65 years of age from northeast origin and from rest of India in study duration of 18 months. The study comprised of questionnaire analysis, health education by health worker and Pap smear examination. Data were statistically analysed and evaluated.ResultIn the study only 23.6% (118/500) of participants are aware of Pap smear out of which 95% (113/118) says it is for early detection of cervical cancer. Time interval to repeat Pap smear in every 3 years is said by 53.4% (63/118) and best timing to do the test is 10th to 20th days of menstrual cycle said by 38% (45/118). However, scoring of knowledge suggests only 22.88% (27/118) is having adequate knowledge, i.e. they have given correct answer to all the three questions. Participants who were aware of Pap smear (118) and undergone Pap smear themselves is statistically significant with p value of 0.0001. The study has detected normal smear (313) 75.06%, infection (candida, trichomonas) (24) 5.75%, inflammatory smear (7) 1.67%, ASCUS (27) 6.47%, LSIL (43) 10.3%, HSIL (2) 0.48% and cervical cancer (1) 0.24%.ConclusionAmong participants only 58% (69/118) were aware of Pap smear, and had ever done Pap smear and only 31% (37/118) ever recommended Pap smear to others, suggesting attitude towards practice of Pap smear is better compared to other studies. The Pap test has fairly good specificity in detection of cervical pathology in asymptomatic women.
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