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PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND METHODS OF DIAGNOSING CERVICAL CANCER IN TWO HOSPITALS IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

Cancer of the cervix is the leading cause of mortality in women in developing countries. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the prevalence, associated risk factors and methods of diagnosing cervical cancer in two hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. A cross – sectional hospital – based descriptive design was used in which 244 women who came for cancer screening were randomly selected to take part. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire survey. From the results obtained, the prevalence of cervical cancer was shown to be 29.1% and the most prevalent risk factors were poor level of awareness of the disease prevention (94.68%), the presence of STIs (74.19%), prolonged use of pills (58.20%) and multiple sexual partners (54.51%). Cytology, biopsy and histology (47.22%) were the most commonly used methods of diagnosing cervical cancer in the study area. In conclusion, the prevalence of cervical cancer was high with the most prevalent risk factor being poor level of awareness of the disease prevention.