Association of the Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) National Data With the Geographic Distribution of Cervical Carcinoma Among Female Population in Central Province, Sri Lanka: A Descriptive Analysis

Background Globally, cervical cancer is recognized as the fourth most common cancer among women, with 99% of cases caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It ranks fourth among female cancers in Sri Lanka. In cervical carcinogenesis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) play a vital role as cofactors. Therefore, this study focused on mapping the geographic distribution of cervical cancer and STDs in Central Province, Sri Lanka, and identifying overlapping high-prevalence “hotspot” areas via geographic information system (GIS) technology. Methodology A retrospective-descriptive study was conducted using cervical cancer prevalence data from the oncology units of National Hospital, Kandy, and District General Hospital, Nuwara-Eliya, in the Central Province, and STD prevalence data from the National Center for STDs and other clinics in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Only histopathologically confirmed Sri Lankan resident cases were included. The GIS, with the help of the ARC 9.2 software, was used to map the prevalence at the divisional secretariat division level, and SPSS V 26.0 was used to analyse descriptive statistics. Results In total, 269,97 and 168 cervical cancer cases were reported in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya districts, respectively. The highest cervical cancer prevalence was reported in Gangawata Korale divisional secretariat division (DSD) in Kandy, Galewela DSD in Matale, and Nuwara Eliya DSD in Nuwara Eliya district. The highest prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases was found in Gangawata Korale, Ukuwela, and Nuwara Eliya DSDs. Gangawata Korale and Nuwara Eliya DSDs were recognized as overlapping “hotspot’’ areas, but not in Matale. Conclusion A significant geographic distribution of cervical cancer and STDs was identified in Central Province, Sri Lanka. These “hotspot’’ areas can be helpful to minimize the disease burden by targeted interventions such as enhancing screening, HPV vaccination, and sexual health education.