Knowledge on Cervical Cancer and its Prevention Amongst Females Attending Limbe Regional Hospital in the South-West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour characterized by abnormal growth of cells that affects the terminal portion of the uterus, known as the cervix. It is one of the five most common cancers worldwide. In Cameroon, it has an incidence and mortality of 24 and 19 per 100,000 females per year. It is one of the most treatable and preventable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of cervical cancer among females at the Limbe Regional Hospital with respect to its cause, prevention, presentation, treatment, and barriers to routine cervical cancer screening. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 238 females, selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through the administration of an interviewer administered questionnaire, designed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge about the cause, prevention, presentation, and treatment of cervical cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to present the frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.5 years (standard deviation = 8.0). Only 82 (34.5%) had good knowledge about cervical cancer. The most commonly reported barrier to cervical cancer screening was the lack of proper education on the procedure (95, 39.9%). Other frequently reported reasons for failing to perform routine check-ups included lack of money (46, 19.3%), the procedure being uncomfortable (45, 18.9%), invasion of privacy (44, 18.5%), and negative attitudes of health personnel (36, 15.1%). Conclusion: This study found that many women lack knowledge about cervical cancer and how to get screened. To tackle these issues, focused efforts such as community awareness campaigns and affordable screening services are needed to enhance the fight against cervical cancer.