Incidence of Cervical Cancer in Grass Root Level Center in Bangladesh

Background: Cervical cancer is a major health issue, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh, where the incidence and mortality rates are higher compared to global averages. Early detection through screening is critical. Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among women aged 24-59 years attending a VIA screening camp at UHC, Tanore, Rajshahi, and assess the effectiveness of VIA screening. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in January 2020 at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of UHC, Tanore, Rajshahi. A total of 1,200 women aged 24-59 years participated in the screening program. Women were screened for cervical abnormalities using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid). Demographic data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and women who tested positive for abnormalities were treated with thermocoagulation or referred for further management. Results: Out of 1,200 women, 18 tested positive for cervical abnormalities (1.5%), resulting in an incidence rate of 2.44 cases per 10,000 women per week. Of these, 13 women (72.2%) received thermocoagulation treatment, while 5 women (27.8%) with large lesions were referred for further evaluation. Additionally, 6 women (0.5%) had breast lumps and were referred for FNAC at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). The majority of women (58.67%) were aged over 35 years, and 95% were housewives. Conclusion: VIA screening is an effective, low-cost tool for early cervical cancer detection in low-resource settings. Regular screening and early treatment can significantly reduce cervical cancer prevalence in Bangladesh.