RESUMO
To reduce the mortality rate in women due to cervical cancer by early detection. To calculate magnitude pattern and proportion of PAP positive cases among high risk population and associate variables to PAP positive cases. Descriptive, cross-sectional Gynaecology and Obstetrics out patient department of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from June 2005 to May 2006 The smears were analysed in Histopathology department of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex. A total of 1500 smears were taken, 511 [34.1%] from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and 989 [64.9%] from Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex. The mean age was 42 +/- 8 years with a range of 35-80 years. Prevalence of positive cases was 3.9% with majority of [2.5%] falling in the age group 35-40 yrs. Cases with positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] had strong association with family history of cancer [p-<0.002, OR=3.284,CI: 1.497-7.2203]. On examination cervix bled to touch in 25 cases [p-<0.0001.0R=2.721,Cl: 1.595-4.645], it was suspicious looking in 8 cases [p-<0.0001,OR=8.714,CI:3.758-20.21] and 5 cases had post menopausal bleeding [p-<0.006. OR=3.582,CI: 1.354-9.481]. However no association was found with smoking, hormonal intake or post coital bleeding. PAP smear should be used as a routine test for every woman aged 35 or above coming to the gynaecology department for symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding, or low backache for early detection of cervical cancer