General Exam – Mabel K. Raza

Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Center for Computer Science & Engineering – CSE 203

Title:  A Web-based Cervical Cancer Screening System for Developing Countries

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the third most frequent cancer in women around the world and affects half a million women per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 275,000 women die every year, and 80% to 85% of these deaths occur in low-resource countries in Africa and South America. In Peru, cervical cancer has the highest incidence and the second highest mortality rate among women. Currently, the screening techniques such as the Pap test and VIA are part of the national health policy in Peru. The Pap test is mainly used in urban areas in Peru. However, there are some challenges related to spreading the Pap test throughout the whole country: the lack of quality and standardization of the readings of Pap smears, the shortage of trained personnel, lack of processing samples in a timely manner and the lack of laboratory infrastructure and sustainability in remote-poor settings. This leads to loss of follow-ups and delayed clinical treatment of women.

Extensively research has shown that computer solutions are suitable for overcoming these barriers. However, the majority of these solutions are commercial products that are not affordable for developing countries, such as Peru. In this context, developing an approach that recognizes normal vs. abnormal Pap smears can ultimately provide a cost-effective alternative for developing countries. The dissertation specific aims are: 1) to determine the characteristics of normal vs. abnormal Pap smears through expert consultation and relevant literature, 2) to collect data sets and run preliminary experiments to compare two possible approaches, 3) to develop a low-cost web-based prototype system for cervical cancer screening, 4) to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the approach for classifying normal vs. abnormal Pap smears compared to experts’ review.