Cytopathological profile of cervical cells in Cameroon

Cervical cancer is a real public health problem in developing countries, and in Cameroon in particular. Geographical data on the incidence of this cancer vary widely, to the advantage or detriment of rural communities. With this in mind, this study was carried out in a rural area (Niété) and an urban area (Yaoundé I). Its aim was to determine precancerous lesions of cervical cells in these Arrondissements, and to carry out a comparative analysis highlighting the risk factors responsible for their variation. The Papanicolaou technique used to determine these profiles yielded a percentage of 9.8% in Niété and 16.3% in Yaoundé I. Age, alcohol consumption, parity and number of sexual partners were risk factors for the occurrence of these precancerous lesions. What’s more, 80% of women who tested positive had never heard of cervico-vaginal smears, hence the urgent need to organize well-targeted cervical cancer screening programs, using a methodology that is acceptable in terms of cost and effectiveness.