Published Paper Details:

Abstract: Cervical cancer can be reduced through health education, screening, and thereafter treatment of pre-cancers. However, over 80% of women with cervical cancer reside in developing countries. In majority of situations most women do not have any access to awareness, screening and treatment programs. The main purpose of our study is to find the knowledge of women regarding symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. A cross-sectional, self-administered anonymous questionnaire-based survey has been conducted on 500 females (both married and unmarried) covering both urban and rural areas of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Statistically no significant difference between rural and urban women in their knowledge of cervical cancer was noticed. Around 41.4% of the population were aware of cervical cancer as a type of cancer affecting women, only 10% of the population have knowledge on the screening of cervical cancer. Lack of awareness and knowledge on cervical cancer is noted more in rural population when compared to urban. Specific knowledge on cervical cancer screening is noticed as a critical object in determining whether a woman to undergo screening. This study concludes that a strategy involving Government and NGO action, conducting awareness and screening programs is necessary to minimize the occurrence of cervical cancer in this region.