Prevalence of Cervical Cancer in Enugu State: A Critical Review of 5-year Hospital Data in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women worldwide. In developing countries, cancers are detected late due to limited access to preventative measures and late treatment options leading to higher death rates in these countries. The study was undertaken to determine the cervical cancer prevalence to aid in planning grass root level programs to reduce the morbidity and mortality from the disease. This study is a hospital-based retrospective design that reviewed reported screening test results of CCa cases in five screening centres identified in Enugu state. Reported data sets were analysed and one-sample t-test analysis of statistical significance was determined. A pooled total of 27 333 patients were screened using pap smear and 3528 tested positive for cervical cancer was reported over the five years period giving a prevalence rate of 13%. The mean age of the positive cases was 38.82 ± 8.15 years. The majority of the cases (62%) were recorded among the age group 30 – 39 years. The yearly rates included 14% prior to 2016, 12%, 9%, 20%, 13% and 10% for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. T-test analysis showed a significant difference in testing rate when compared to previous study t = 5.7, p = .002. The prevalence of this study is high when as reported in previous studies. Therefore, a targeted awareness and enlightenment of the public on cervical cancer screening is highly recommended to ensure early detection which guarantees good treatment outcomes. Keywords: Cervical Cancer; Enugu State, Nigeria, Prevalence, Screening test.