Lack of Awareness: A Barrier in Cervical Cancer Screening

Abstract

In developing countries, the prevention for cervical cancer is only suboptimal in comparison to the developed countries where there are lesser deaths due to improved survival rates. This article describes the awareness of Indian females regarding cervical cancer and how it is affecting the screening process for the cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered as the causative agent for cervical cancer development. Critical measures for prevention and screening of cervical cancer needs to be undertaken since the ability to detect and treat the illness at its initial stage may disrupt the process of neoplasia. The precancerous period for cervical cancer is very long which opens up a considerable window of opportunity to detect and treat it completely. If regular routine check-up is done for all women, the onset of cancer can be identified at an initial stage and combated effectively. However, implementing effective screening programs for the detection of cervical cancer has been a difficult task in our country. Many studies have shown that the Indian females have inadequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer. There could be tremendous increase in screening process if the females were provided with adequate knowledge regarding the cervical cancer risk, screening, signs and symptoms, etc. Mass media could be used to educate the women. In conclusion, health education should be promoted to increase awareness about the risk associated with cervical cancer. Also, improving women’s attitude towards screening for cervical cancer and addressing their fears would increase the objective to screen for such types of cancer.