Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characterization of cervical cancers in northern Nigeria

To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with cervical cancer seen in a tertiary referral center in northern Nigeria. Between January 2002 and December 2004, 70 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, with a median age of 48 years (range, 30-75 years), were interviewed on the basis of a structured pro forma. Of these patents, 39 (56%) had had no formal education, and 36 (51%) were unemployed housewives. Sixty (86%) had become sexually active before 17 years of age; 44 (63%) were in polygamous families, and 25 (36%) patients were in at least a second marriage. There was an average of 6.8 live births per patient. Vaginal bleeding was seen in all patients, and 55 (79%) had vaginal discharges; 50 (71%) had a bulky cervical mass, and 46 (66%) presented with at least Stage IIIA disease. Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest histology. The three HIV-seropositive patients were young and had advanced disease. Sociodemographic factors, such as low socioeconomic level, early age at first sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners, place women at high risk of developing cervical cancer in northern Nigeria. Late presentation with advanced disease predominates.