Cancer of the Cervix at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Benin City; Nigeria; in the Last Decade of the Last Millennium

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and clinical presentation of cervical cancer in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Methods: A review of retrieved retrospective data relating to patients managed for cancer of the cervix at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Benin City between January 1991 and December; 2000 was done and is presented as frequency tables. Results: Cancer of the cervix constituted 72.9of all gynaecological malignancies seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and accounted for 4.8of all new gynaecological admissions. The mean age at presentation was 49.1+5.7 years; with a peak age of 41 years to 50 years. Commonest presenting feature was abnormal vaginal bleeding while the modal stage at presentation was IIIB. The squamous cell variety was commonly encountered. Conclusion: Cancer of the cervix is of Public health importance in Benin City; Nigeria. Late presentations render curative protocols ineffective. Public enlightenment targeting sexually active women in the lower socio economic strata to boost uptake of screening services should be undertaken