Worrying and real risk for human papilloma virus-induced cervix lesions in cameroonian women: insight in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Muslim region

Cervical cancer is a real public health problem in developing countries especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations which are often very difficult-to-reach by health programs and mistrustful about these. We therefore carried out a pilot hospital-based cross-sectional study in the far north region, one of the poorest regions of Cameroon. This aimed at determining the prevalence of cervical pre-malignant and malignant lesions and of some main risk-increasing factors. Socio-demographical and risk factors for cervical abnormalities were documented. Eye examination of cervix, Papanicolaou smears were set and the results interpreted using the Bethesda system. Mean age of the population was 36.25 ± 10.66 years. Macroscopic analysis revealed abnormalities represented by inflammation (46.7%), bleedings upon contact (40.0%) and budding (13.3%). Abnormal cytology accounted for 11.2 % and was represented by ASCUS (3.8%), ASC-H (1.9%) and LSIL (5.5%).Most of normal-cytology women were at high risk for Human Papilloma Virus infection and its cervical consequences. This pilot study underscored a significant prevalence of precancerous lesions and a clear risk for HPV infection and invasive cancer. Our findings suggest the need for a national program of active case detection of cervical cancer involving health education and prompt management of cases.