Sociodemographic profile of patients with cervical cancer in a tertiary-care cancer hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem. Its burden is high in developing countries, where screening programs are not well established or are minimally effective. Study of the sociodemographic profile is the first step in planning screening and control measures. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic profile of patients with cervical cancer in a tertiary-care cancer hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: This combined prospective and retrospective study was conducted during January 2012 to December 2012 among all the newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer from January 2006 to December 2007 at a tertiary-care cancer hospital. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Details of sociodemographic profile, symptoms, and staging were obtained. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and results were expressed in percentages and proportions. Result: Among the 380 patients with cervical cancer, 175 (46.1%) were in the age group of 50–64 years. Majority of the patients were from rural areas (73.9%) and 26.1% were from urban areas. Majority of the patients were Hindus (93.2%), 249 (65.5%) were illiterate, 237 (62.4%) were married, and 130 (34.3%) belonged to Class III socioeconomic status. The most common symptom was white discharge per vagina (50.5%). Majority of the patients (140, 36.8%) were in stage IIIB followed by 116 (30.5%) in stage IIB. Conclusion: Cervical cancer is potentially preventable and curable. The focus should be on creating awareness regarding the risk factors, stress the need for early detection, screening, and effective utilization of health-care resources.