Indian Women and the Risk of Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cervical cancer is characterized by the unusual growth of cells in the cervix. It accounts for about 25% of deaths in India; due to lack of knowledge, poor practice, and a negative attitude, diagnosis tends to arise at later stages of the disease. The main objective of our study was to evaluate cervical cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and to assess the relationship between educational status with knowledge and attitude toward cervical cancer. An online survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Indian women using a self-generated questionnaire for a period of six months. Cervical cancer awareness measure (C-CAM) was used to assess the knowledge. We recruited a total of 660 women aged 18 years and above. The majority of the participants had poor knowledge, strong positive attitudes, and poor practice. Among them, only 86 women were found to be vaccinated for HPV. A statistically significant association was found between the level of KAP of cervical cancer (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between KAP of cervical cancer. Our study concluded that the level of awareness regarding the screening techniques and preventive measures for cervical cancer is very low. Educational status had a significant association with KAP of cervical cancer. Hence, these outcomes suggest the need for more effective awareness-boosting programmes about cervical cancer screening. Promotion of free regular health check-ups and vaccination for cervical cancer among the general population will increase the awareness while decreasing the disease burden.