Knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Chennai

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Chennai.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. It is caused by infection with certain types of HPV. Planned and organised screening can significantlyhelp the population, whilst disorganised screening can increase costs and reduce benefits.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study done in South India using a structured questionnaire. It consisted 157 women of childbearing age. Data was analysed statistically and evaluated using Chi-square test.

Result: 82.8% of the total women were aware of cervical cancer and 56.1% had heard about the screening test done for the same.Most of the women in our study showed positive attitude toward cervical cancer screening, but still there is a gap between perception and practice.

Conclusion: Though majority of women are aware of cervical cancer and its screening, there still exists a need to increase the awareness among certain underprivileged groups of women. Thus, the situation in India is still not in control and will take combined and coordinated efforts from the government, healthcare workers and the public to bring it under control.