Colposcopy in D.R.Congo, a contribution to reduce mortality by cervical cancer

Dr Mateus from Agir Ensemble/Hope Medical Center has attended the AORTIC 2013 Conference to presente the abstract below: Author(s): Dr Mateus Kambale Sahani1,2, Dr Roger P. Hamuli2, Mr Désiré Tshombe2 Institute(s):1Health Department, AGIR ENSEMBLE, 2Hope Medical Center-GOMA, The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Background and justification Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in DRC and the first cause of death by cancer in the country. As the service is not available in almost whole the country, people are not aware of it and arrive at the hospital at the very advanced stage of the disease. Methodology We have initiated a colposcopy center in Goma city, east of the country which is the first in this part and we have proceeded to raising awareness to let women being informed of the relevance of this service. This study is prospective and descriptive for 52 women screened at Hope Medical Center (n = 52). The women screened have age between 25 to 45 years old. Results In 2 months (August and September), we have screened 52 women among them 1 has advanced cervical cancer (1.92%), 3 have carcinoma in situ (5.77%), 3 have LSIL (5.77%) and 5 have HSIL (9.62%) and 40 have negative results (76.92%). Among all the women screened, only 10 were totaly healthy (19.23%), 42 consulted because they had one or more signs and symptoms (80.77%). When we compare these percentages, we find that the difference is statistically significant; X2 =39.38 and p = 0.000001. This means that more women come to colposcopy when there is an alarm sign. The most common sign that alarm women for colposcopy is hypogastric and lower back pain (29/42, 69.05%) and the second is dysparenia (8/42, 19.05%) ; other signs (5 people, 11.90%). When we compare these percentages, we find that the difference is statistically significant; X2 =36.64 and p = 0.000001. This means that the most sign that motivate women to come to colposcopy is hypogastric and lower back pain. All women screened positive with CIN have accepted to be treated. This means that when women are aware of their health status regarding cervical cancer/precancer, they are adherent to colposcopy program. Conclusion Awareness program is important for adherence of women to colposcopy program, we should publish a list of warning signs to allow women coming to colposcopy clinic very early. Colposcopy will allow women to be diagnosed very early.