Abstract C173: ONE STOP Katsina: A one-stop navigation towards elimination of cervical cancer through screening, triage for treatment of precancerous cervical lesions
TL;DR
The high proportion of previously unscreened women with multiple risk factors, coupled with the detection of symptomatic clinical abnormalities, underscores the urgent need for accessible, single-visit "screen-and-treat" paradigms.
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to a lack of access to routine screening and early intervention. To address this critical health disparity, the "One-Stop Katsina" initiative was launched to provide free, integrated cervical and breast cancer screening. This study evaluates the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and preliminary clinical findings of participants in this program to assess the impact and necessity of single-visit screening models in resource-limited settings. We analyzed clinical data collected from 595 women who participated in the free screening program across various Local Government Areas in Katsina State, Nigeria. Variables assessed included patient socio-demographics including Female genital mutilation (FGM), reproductive history (parity, age at menarche, and age at coitarche), prior cervical cancer screening history, HPV vaccination status, and clinical examination results (clinical breast examinations and pelvic/cervical evaluations). Screening and biospecimen captured included Pap smears, liquid-based cytology, vaginal swabs (metagenomics), whole blood and plasma. A total of 595 women (median age: 41 years) enrolled and underwent integrated cervical and breast cancer screening. The cohort demonstrated a high-risk reproductive profile, with a median parity of 7 (range: 0–19), 45% living in polygamous households, and early sexual debut (13–19 years). Twenty-six pregnant women were successfully screened. Baseline uptake of preventive services was low, with 83.1% never having undergone cervical cancer screening and 98.2% reporting no prior HPV vaccination. FGM was identified in 27% of participants and 39 women recovering from vesicovaginal fistula repair were screened. Pelvic examination identified abnormal cervical findings in 25.7% of women, while 15 women (3.0%) had palpable breast masses. Same-day expert pathology review identified 73 women (12.3%) with abnormal cytology, which together with suspicious cervical lesions, or suspected cervical cancer were immediately triaged for colposcopy and biopsy. The One-Stop Katsina program highlights an opportunity to fill a profound gap in cervical and breast cancer screening in this region. The high proportion of previously unscreened women with multiple risk factors, coupled with the detection of symptomatic clinical abnormalities, underscores the urgent need for accessible, single-visit "screen-and-treat" paradigms. Expanding and sustaining such integrated screening initiatives is vital for downstaging cancer presentations and reducing mortality in underserved populations. Fatima Abubakar Rasheed, Asma’u Usman, Aisha Abdurrahman, Ahmad Hassan, Farouk Umar, Zaharaddeen Wada, Jamilah Adamu, Abdulfatah M. Lawal, Halimat Siyaka Omengwu, Maryam Yusuf, Hurera Umar, Miyassaratu Iliyasu, Basira Ashafa, Abubakar Dahiru, Adam Shuaib, Aminat Binta Ibrahim-Saad, Francis Dalyop, Halimatu Ismail, Nilly Genger, Ivana Saborit, Lauren A. Smith, Sandy St. Hilaire, Jonathan Penso, Ayodele Omotoso, Matthew Schlumbrecht, Francisco Robles, Patricia Jeudin, Lisa Flowers, Bala M. Audu, Sophia HL. George. ONE STOP Katsina: A one-stop navigation towards elimination of cervical cancer through screening, triage for treatment of precancerous cervical lesions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 19th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2026 Oct 18-21; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2026;35(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C173.