Knowledge Of Cervical Cancer And Pap Smear Among Indian Women
Knowledge Of Cervical Cancer And Pap Smear Among Indian Women
Keywords:
CERVICAL CANCER, PAP SMEAR, HPV INFECTIONAbstract
Introduction: Cancer of the uterine cervix is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide and a leading public health problem. Currently cervical cancer is potentially curable, but still continues to be the second most frequent cause of death by neoplasia in women and the survival rate in 5 years varies from 44 to 66%. Method: This study was carried out during the period of January 2012 to June 2012in one of the tertiary care teaching hospital. In depth interview of 100 women were taken before and after awareness program in the form of lecture on cervical cancer- the occurrence and prevention. The data before and after were compared and analyzed. Results: most of the patients are in 4th decade of life (59 %). The educational level of respondents ranged from primary to tertiary level. Only a few patients (20 %) were aware that early detection and treatment regarding cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer were known by less than 35 % of the patients. Only 8 % of the respondents had heard of HPV or knew about its association with cervical cancer. Twenty-seven patients asserted that they had knowledge of the Pap smear test. Conclusion: By improving their knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer, we are able to reduce the incidence. [Parikh U NJIRM 2016; 7(5):60-63]
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