Cervical Cancer Screening in Post-Conflict Underdeveloped Areas

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a huge health concern. It is the second most common female tumor worldwide. It is consider a professionalchallenge for gynecologist. 90% of newly diagnosed cases are in the countries with a low socio-economic growth. Lack of health care infrastructure, accessibility, low level of education, lack of hygienic habits are all the factors contributing to this figure. Cervical cancer occurs mainly in low-resource, underserved regions as part of a complex of diseases linked to poverty, race/ethnicity, and/or other health disparities. It has been shown that only 5% of women living in under developed countries, are having regular yearly screening. Under given circumstances regular cervical cancer screening using cervical cytology (Papanicolaou [Pap] smears) is the best cost-effective option gynecologist have.The goal of this scientific paper is to present the results of screening test done in Clinical Center Pristina Gracanica Kosovo, Serbia.Screening was done retrospectively in the period of 2011-2015. The total number of screened women was 2871. Pap smear test and colposcopy were performed. In 6.3% of the cases Pap test was positive, including 96% Papa III, and 12 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed.