title: Carcinoma of the cervix uteri in Zaria: etiological factors.
abstract: The study conducted at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria from January to December, 1984 showed that carcinoma of the cervix uteri occurred in 4.18% of new gynecological attendances; 68.9% of the cases occurred in the age range 40-55 years. Early age at marriage (80.0%), and at first pregnancy (77.8%) as well as multiple marriages (48.9%) and low contraceptive usage were identifiable associated factors. The parity of the patient did not seem to be of significance. The earliest presenting symptom was post-coital bleeding occurring 10.8 months prior to attendance for medical advice. However, late presentation (in Stages IIb-IV) in 86.7% of cases was due to illiteracy, shyness, male dominance and non-recognition of the importance of early warning symptoms.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010298:Parity; D012307:Risk Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*