Cervical Cancer Screening Beliefs and Prevalence of LSIL/HSIL Among a University-Based Population in Cameroon

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to determine beliefs and utilization of cervical cancer screening and prevalence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion among a university-based population in the Southwest region of Cameroon. Materials and Methods A public-private partnership was established between the University of Arizona, University of Buea, and the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services. A single-day screening clinic using visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine solution (VILI) was provided at the University of Buea. Screening results were documented as negative, low-grade, high-grade, or suspicious for cancer. Thermocoagulation and loop electrosurgical excisional procedure was available for low- and high-grade lesions, respectively. A survey was conducted before screening and factors associated with screening practices were evaluated. Results Of 120 clinic participants, 107 (89.2%) believed that treatment of precancerous lesions helped prevent cervical cancer, but most (67.5%) had never been screened. Eighty women (66.7%) were aware of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and only 2 had received vaccination. Among 115 patients screened, the prevalence of abnormal screening was 6.09%. Low-grade lesions were treated with thermocoagulation and high-grade lesions were treated with loop electrosurgical excisional procedure. Conclusions Despite knowledge of cervical cancer screening benefits, the majority had not been screened or vaccinated. This study suggests a desire for additional screening services in this population and validates the utility of public-private partnerships in low-income regions.

Experiences with thermal ablation for cervical precancer treatment after self‐collection HPV‐based screening in the ASPIRE Mayuge randomized trial

“…Similar to prior studies, 25,27,28 women in our study reported mild pain, and some participants reported cramping and feelings of fainting. No serious side effects were reported, consistent with prior findings 27,29‐33 …”

“…No serious side effects were reported, consistent with prior findings. 27,[29][30][31][32][33] However, when asked if recovery following treatment was an issue, over a third of women reported that it was an issue due to reasons such as vaginal discharge, bleeding and pain. Other studies 25,27,28 have found that some women report discharge, pain or bleeding shortly after treatment with thermal ablation, but none have assessed whether women find these symptoms to be problematic throughout recovery.…”

Side effects and acceptability measures for thermal ablation as a treatment for cervical precancer in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

“…After removing duplicates, 1336 were uploaded to Covidence for abstract and title screening. Two independent reviewers identified 64 papers for full text evaluation of which 12 were found to meet all inclusion criteria for this review 9–11 18–26. Of note, 30 papers were identified as abstracts from conference proceedings with no full text available at that time.…”

“…The paper reporting on the largest study population was included in the meta-synthesis 12. A subset of four studies that provided narrative results alone for a composite measure of all side effects were excluded from meta-synthesis due to concerns around reporting bias 23–26. Study inclusion and reasons for exclusion at full text review are provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram (online supplemental figure S1).…”

Factors Associated With Non-Participation In Cervical Cancer Screening In Yaoundé: A Mixed Quantitative And Qualitative Study

“…Screening is done during sporadic campaigns or through medical prescriptions. Few studies found a screening rate between 31-32,5% in Cameroon [7,8]. Meanwhile, effective screening rate is low.…”