Pattern of Fertility in Women of Reproductive Age Suffering from Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common malignancy of female genital tract in Bangladesh. Though with proper screening and risk factor modification it can be prevented easily.

Objective: The major objective of the study was to find out fertility pattern in women of reproductive age group suffering from cervical cancer.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka during the period of January 2016 to December 2016. The study was performed among 105 diagnosed female patients suffering from cervical cancer available during the data collection period in the study place. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with a questionnaire and with a check list.

Results: It was found that majority of the respondents (54%) were within the age range of 46 to 50 years. Ninety percent of the respondents were found to be currently married and majority of them (86.9%) were Muslim. About 39% of the respondents were illiterate and 31% of them had primary level education.Majority of the respondents (70%) were housewife by profession and 8.6% were service holders. The monthly family income was Tk. 14247+4360. About 70% of the respondents were found to practice of different types of contraceptive methods, the most commonly used method was oral pill (73%). Mean age at menarche was 13 years and the mean age at first marriage was 15.5 years. Mean age at first childbirth of the respondents was 15.62 years. Majority of respondents were multipara and 48% of them had conceived for 3 to 4 times. Maximum proportion (48.6%) of cervical cancer patients were in grade III. Next higher group 25.7% was in grade II, 15% were at grade I and 10% were at grade IV. 55.2% of the patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 22.9% had adenocarcinoma and only 21.9%, had adenosquamous carcinoma.

Conclusion: Study showed that women who had early marriage and experience their 1st pregnancy at a young age, multiple and repeated pregnancies are at an increased risk of cervical cancer. Screening women for pre cancerous changes and treating the abnormal tissue seems to protect women from developing cervical cancer. If those factors are avoided there could be safe guarded in significant proportion.

J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2022; 28 (02): 11-16