Abstract :
Introduction: Cervical cancer is a fatal disease once it reaches in invasive stage however among all female
genital tract malignancies; it is the only preventable cancer if detected in premalignant stages. Pap smear
is an effective tool for mass screening and detects cervical lesions early for effective treatment.
Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the level of aware ness regarding cervical cancer
and PAP Smear Screening among women admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) wards of
Goa Medical College.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Goa for a period
of 3 months (December 2018 – February 2019). 426 women admitted in OBG wards in Goa Medical
College were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
Results: Among the 426 women interviewed, 246 women (57.7 %) had heard about cervical cancer.
However, only 30 (7%) had good level of awareness of cervical cancer, 102 (23.9%) had fair, level of
awareness, while 294 (69.1%) had poor level of awareness about the disease. Only 15.5% of women were
aware about the warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer while 19.7% had good level of awareness
about the risk factors of cervical cancer. A small proportion of women interviewed (11.3%) had good level
of awareness regarding prevention and screening of cervical cancer. Majority of women i.e. 288 (67.6%)
had never heard about Pap smear. Out of the 138 women who were aware of Pap smear, only 54 (39.1%)
had undergone Pap smear testing. Majority 63.4% women were of the opinion that cervical cancer can be
treated; while 5.6% thought that there is no treatment available for the disease.
Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening is an important
barrier in reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer in India and hence we need to strengthen our health
care system by creating public awareness and education regarding cervical cancer.
Keyword :
Cervical cancer, Pap smear, HPV Vaccination, Awareness.