Background: Cervical cancer is one of most common cancers of women worldwide with high mortality. Early detection and treatment can cure this disease at an early stage which can be achieved by regular screening using conventional Papanicolaou test, an easy, costeffective method. Objectives: To study pattern of epithelial cell abnormalities on cervical Pap smear in rural tertiary centre of Northern India over six years, to know prevalence of abnormal pap smears over that period. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of conventional Pap smear reports over period of six years was carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Pathology Department of rural tertiary centre of Northern India from January 2010- December 2015 after ethical clearance. Case records of 5,725 women aged >-21 years, sexually active consulting Gynecology Out Patient Department for different complaints were collected from Pathology Department. Smears were reported as per 2001Bethesda system. Data was analyzed using SPSS-20 version. Results: Of 5725 Pap smears examined retrospectively, majority of women belonged to 41-50 years. 580 (10.13%) cases had abnormal epithelial patterns, 4448 (77.69%) had benign epithelial patterns and remaining 697 (12.17%) were unsatisfactory. Of 4448 benign cases, inflammatory lesions were most common (38.84%). Conclusion: High prevalence of epithelial cell abnormalities (10.13%) as well as squamous cell carcinoma, especially in females >70 years signifies lack of awareness about cervical cancer screening among women of this region. Also women of 41-50 years had maximum number of abnormal epithelial patterns, further indicating need for early, regular screening of women.

Keywords: Carcinoma Cervix; Cytology; Papanicolaou Smear; Screening; Squamous Cell Carcinoma.