A study on awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer among females at selected colleges of Bangalore, Karnataka

Abstract

Background of the study: Cancer is a disease in which the normal mechanisms for growth and proliferation of cell have been altered. In worldwide, carcinoma of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, there would be highest incidence rate for all cancers where more than quite 8.8 lakh deaths attributed to cancers by the year 2020, with cancer of breast, lung and cervix being the highest. The highest incidences of cancers were reported from north-east regions of India for both males and females. In India, the incidence of cancer is higher in women than in men, whereas globally it is higher in men than in women. Objectives . To assess the level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among women in selected colleges of Bangalore. . To determine the association between knowledge on cervical cancer and selected demographic variables. Methods: The study was done to assess the awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer among females at selected colleges of Bangalore, Karnataka. This was a descriptive study which comprises of 96 women participants of age group (20-50 years), selected by non-probability convenient sampling method. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire which addressed questions on socio-demographic data and knowledge of cervical cancer prepared by the investigator. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed insufficient knowledge of cervical cancer among the participants. The majority of the participants were unaware of common symptoms of cervical cancer and also, they were not aware of Pap smear test. Overall, most of the participants indicated the necessity for increased cervical cancer awareness among the females. Conclusion: Deaths resulting from cervical cancer are tragic. Awareness regarding cervical cancer and its prevention is relatively low amongst Indian women. Adequate knowledge of cervical cancer can reduce morbidity and mortality related to the disease. Therefore, it is important to impart adequate knowledge among women so that the morbidity and mortality related to the disease can be reduced.