Prevalence of cervical cancer - A 6 year Retrospective Study in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix-the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of human papilloma virus and sexual transmitted infections play major roles in the development of cancer. A systematic review on cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate shows that the scarcity of information reveals a substantial need for further studies on cervical cancer prevalence and mortality with associated risk factors. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence and of cervical cancer among women in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria. This was a retrospective analytical study conducted at Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse, Jigawa, Nigeria. Data of590 subjects retrieved from histopathology laboratory and the subjects’ case files were retrospectively analyzed. Out of the 590 participants, apart from those with precancerous lesion, 80 (13.6%) - tested positive for cervical cancer, of the 80 positive patients, age group 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and above 65 represent 25%, 16.3%, 23.7% and 12.5% of the population respectively.  Of the 80 cervical cancer patients, 70% had Squamous cell carcinoma, 18.8% had Adenocarcinoma, while 11.2% constituted the mixed cell carcinoma i.e. adenosquamous carcinoma. Conclusively, the current study revealed 13.6% prevalence of cervical cancer in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria. This is alarming and calls for urgent intervention and more studies on the condition.