RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and treatment of dysplasia with cryotherapy in Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria, between August 1, 2006, and July 31, 2009. Women aged 20-65 years who had had their sexual debut at least 3 years previously were screened for cervical dysplasia using VIA. Women with positive test results were offered cryotherapy immediately after screening. RESULTS: Overall, 5529 women (mean age 40.24 ± 10.33 years) underwent screening with VIA. Dysplasia was detected among 317 (5.7%) women. Lesions suspicious for cancer were recorded among 52 (1.0%) women; histological diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer was confirmed in 38 (0.7%) women. VIA was as expected or better for 5330 (96.4%) women screened. Cryotherapy was as expected or better for 219 (99.5%) women who received treatment. Among 127 women who underwent cryotherapy and had repeat screening, 121 (95.3%) had negative test results after 1 year. CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer screening using VIA and cryotherapy was feasible and effective despite scarce resources in the Nigerian health system. Furthermore, this approach was socially and culturally acceptable.
