Frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in the gynecologic patients of tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the most common cause of death in 36 countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination availability is increasing day by day, with more than 65% of girls vaccinated in 2019 were living in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical screening is a key element to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cancer screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The pathology results of cervicovaginal smear samples obtained from patients aged 25-65 years who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic between October 5 and December 5, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Among the 497 results, 63 premalignant lesions were detected. The rate of premalignant lesions (63/497) was found to be 12,3%. Most common premalign lesion was ASC-US. Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in Somalia was found to be higher than in the literature. Vaccination, screening and early diagnosis are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer. Access to vaccination, screening and early diagnosis, which are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer for Somalia, will be possible with the cooperation of the national health system and international organizations.