BARRIERS IN UPTAKE OF SCREENING OF CERVICAL CANCER
AbstractBackground: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with over 90% of cases the occurring in developing countries. India attributes to about 15% of the cancer deaths in the world mostly in rural areas. This dangerous disease can be effectively prevented by creating awareness programs and the possibility of effective management with early screening. Methodology: A prospective questionnaire-based survey was conducted among women for a period of six months i.e., from 1st January 2016 – 30th June 2016. Results: Most of the study populations were students. Among them women were 353. Majority of the women 305(86%) have not attended screening stating few reasons. Among the 48 women who attended the screening, 23(47.9%) were identified with various symptoms and are on treatment. Out of these, 3 members were diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix. Barriers such as a low economy, cultural inheritances, lack of awareness, lack of females in the testing centres etc., were identified. Conclusion: All the health care providers and primary health care centres should be facilitated with the Pap smear testing facility.
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