Noreen Zafar
Girls and Women Health Initiative, Pakistan
Title: Incidence of Pap smear based cytological abnormalities in a low risk group of Pakistani women
Biography
Biography: Noreen Zafar
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, with 80% cases in the in developing countries. In Pakistan it is not considered to be a huge problem. This study was carried out to ascertain the incidence of abnormal Pap smears among Pakistani women, to objectively justify the need for a cervical cancer screening program in Pakistan. 525 patient case notes attending gynaecology out patients over 18 month’s period were reviewed. Spatula and cytobrush samples were taken for all post menopausal women and in those where squamo-columnar junction was not visible. All patients with HSIL & ASC-H underwent colposcopy & biopsy. Endometrial sampling was performed if indicated Results Negative for intraepithelial lesions, 56 % Inflammatory in 25.33 % Atrophic in 4 % Inadequate 1.33% Cytological abnormalities were present in -13.34 %. The incidence of cytological abnormalities among Pakistani women is significant .The progression of HSIL to invasive disease is well documented .This study highlights the urgent need for a national cervical pre-cancer screening program in Pakistan.