Awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer screening and prevention among women attending gynecology clinics

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of women regarding cervical cancer and the use of the Pap smear as a screening tool in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 295 women identified to be at high risk for cervical cancer. Participants were evaluated on their knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap screening, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS), version 25 (Chicago II, USA). Quantitative data were presented as means and standard deviations, while qualitative data were expressed as percentages. Results: Of the 295 women surveyed, only 23 (7.8%) had previously undergone a gynecological examination. Only 11 (3.7%) were aware that cervical cancer could be detected at an early stage, and merely nine (3.0%) had knowledge of the Pap smear test. None of the women had ever undergone a Pap smear test, nor were they aware of the HPV vaccine or the recommended frequency for Pap smear testing. Conclusions: Awareness and understanding of cervical cancer, Pap smear testing, and the HPV vaccine were notably low among women in Central India, with participants showing reluctance toward screening. Enhanced efforts through print and electronic media, along with free cancer screening and prevention camps in rural areas, may help increase awareness.