Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among women. It predominantly affects women under the age of 50 and is particularly prevalent among women aged 15‐44 in India. Numerous social barriers hinder access to essential screening and treatment services, placing Indian women at a higher risk of developing this disease. The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age. This study was a prospective cross‐sectional study conducted at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Sanstha (CSMSS) different institute of Chh. Sambhajinagar from January 1, 2023‐March 31, 2023. In the present study, 89.6% of participants were aware of the cervix as a part of the female body, while 74.6% were aware of cervical cancer. Only 36.4% of participants knew the number of women who die from cervical cancer in India, with 63.6% lacking this knowledge. Approximately 52.2% of participants were knowledgeable about the primary causes of cervical cancer, while 47.8% were not. A majority (63.4%) of participants understood that cervical cancer is preventable. However, only 13.7% had received the HPV vaccine and 48.6% were aware of its preventive role in cervical cancer. The study revealed a low uptake of HPV vaccination. Therefore, these findings underscore the importance of implementing community‐level awareness programs about cervical cancer and its prevention. Women who lack awareness and education about cervical cancer are less likely to undergo screening, potentially increasing their risk of infection and disease development.
How to cite this article:
Gurpreet Kaur Sandhu, Bhagyashri Sudhir Ranjwan, Dhiraj Kotecha and Shivkumar Santpure. Awareness on Cervical Cancer among Reproductive Aged Women.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.124.129
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.124.129