Perspective of females from a rural community in India towards the knowledge, screening, and treatment of breast and cervical cancer, and preventive vaccination

Abstract Purpose The success of a preventive oncology program depends upon the general population's awareness of the disease, its magnitude, and the screening and prevention process. The objective of our study was to study the situational analysis of the awareness of a rural community population towards the most common cancers in females. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in the rural community of Uttarakhand, recruiting 589 participants from Pauri Garhwal. We developed a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information, knowledge of the disease, early detection, and the attitude toward breast and cervical cancer treatment. We also registered the participant's knowledge and enthusiasm towards vaccination against cervical cancer. Local Non-Governmental Organization (Uttarakhand Manav Seva Samiti, Delhi) collaborated to conduct door-to-door interviews. Results Among the participants, 38% and 79% had never heard about breast and cervical cancer, respectively. The knowledge about various signs and symptoms of breast cancer varied from 14–50%. Only 36.1% (132) and 11.5% (42) of the participants having heard about breast cancer were aware of breast examination and mammography including its utility to diagnose early breast cancer. The knowledge about various signs and symptoms of cervical cancer varied from 11–55%. Only 6.5% of them have heard about preventive vaccination. Nearly 57% and 56% of the participants expressed eagerness to participate in cancer screening programs. Younger (< 40 years) and literate participants were likelier to have statistically significant knowledge, awareness, and a positive attitude toward the disease. Conclusion A forbidding lack of awareness in the rural community has been observed towards breast and cervical cancers. Strengthening educational activities in the rural community against these cancers seems to be an indispensable step toward a preventive oncology program.