Cervical cancer: knowledge and behavior of women for prevention

• Published in: Revista brasileira em promoção da saúde = Brazilian journal in health promotion Vol. 28; no. 2; p. 153
• Main Authors: Rodrigues Santos, Alanda Maria, Juliana Bento de Lima Holanda, Jovânia Marques de OLiveira Silva, Amuzza Aylla Pereira dos Santos, Elizabel Melo Silva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fortaleza Universidade de Fortaleza - Centro de Ciências da Saúde 01-01-2015
• Subjects: Cancer; Cervical cancer; Colorectal cancer; Screening; Test procedures
• ISSN: 1806-1222; 1806-1230
• DOI: 10.5020/18061230.2015.p153

Objective: To analyze the knowledge of women regarding prevention of cervical cancer and the factors hindering the performance of screening tests. Methods: This is a descriptive observational cross-sectional study conducted with 110 women aged 25-64 years treated at a health center between January and March 2014. We collected sociodemographic and economic data and information on gynecological aspects and behavior regarding the exam. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with absolute and relative values. Results: Data relating to the meaning of cervical cancer showed that 65 (59.1%) women were unaware of its meaning, 69 (62.7%) knew how to prevent it, 104 (94.5%) had already done Pap-smear test, 59 (53.6%) had done the Pap-smear test in the past year, 62 (56.4%) do the screening test annually, 88 (80%) knew the importance of the screening test. Regarding the factors related to the difficulty in performing the screening test, most women 49 (44.5%) reported the shame as the most impactful factor. Conclusion: Although most women do the test regularly, many are unaware of its real purpose and feel ashamed and embarrassed during the test.