Prevalence of Cervical Cancer among Women Aged 20–60 Years in Assam using Liquid-based Cytology

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the third most common cancer in women worldwide, the second most common cancer in India. Around 90% of cases of cervical cancer are found in low- and middle-income nations, and deaths from cervical cancer in high-income nations have more than halved. Objective: Prevalence of cervical cancer in women aged 20-60 years in Assam using Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) as a diagnostic tool. Methodology: This study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Pratiksha Hospital, Guwahati,Assam, India, from 01.04.2023 to 15.09.2023. Around 150 pap smears were taken from women between the ages of 20 and 60 years using the Liquid Based Method (LBC). Results: All samples (n=150) received in the pathology department were processed for cytological investigation through LBC. It was observed that 62 patients had normal smear or NILM. 66 had inflammatory smears. 11 had ASCUS. 6 had LSIL. 4 had HSIL. 1 SCC was diagnosed. Conclusion: Pap smear testing is a very useful, simple, and safe tool for detecting precancerous cervical epithelial lesions. LBC can be a better alternative to conventional smear because of a lower rate of unsatisfactory smears. Every woman above the age of 30 years should undergo routine cervical cancer screening.