AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE OF WOMEN TOWARDS BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER IN TAMIL NADU

Abstract

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are major community health concerns for womenfolk worldwide, and prevention by early detection display a vital part in reducing the burden of these ailments. Understanding the awareness and attitudes of women to breast and cervical cancer is crucial in formulating targeted public health initiatives to progress prevention, early finding, and treatment outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to assess the awareness and attitude of womenfolk towards breast and cervical cancer in Tamil Nadu. Methods: This study conducted in ten districts of Tamil Nadu which is part of Southern India. A random sampling method was used to select a representative sample of women aged 18 to 60 years from urban and rural areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires that include demographic details, awareness about breast and cervical cancer, attitudes towards breast and cervical cancer, awareness on prevention and treatment. Descriptive method recapitulates the demographic characteristics and awareness of the participants. The factors associated with awareness and attitude was identified to carry out the study. Conclusions: The study showed that most young participants were conscious of breast cancer as a disease, but their awareness and understanding of the disease were moderate. The awareness and attitudes toward cervical cancer among women in Tamil Nadu was less. The study urges the need to intensify awareness programmes about cervical cancer and vaccination through the public and private hospitals to the community women.

Keywords

• Cervical Canser
• Breast Cancer
• Women and Health
• Attitude
• Tendency

Tamil Nadu'da Kadınların Meme ve Servi̇ks Kanseri̇ne Karşı Farkındalık ve Tutumları

Öz

Breast and cervical cancers are major public health concerns for women worldwide, and early detection and prevention play a critical role in reducing the burden of these diseases. Understanding the awareness and attitudes of women toward breast and cervical cancer is crucial in formulating targeted public health initiatives to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment outcomes. This study aims to assess the awareness and attitude of women in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, towards breast and cervical cancer. Methods: This was cross-sectional study conducted in various districts of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. A random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of women aged 18 to 60 years from urban and rural areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires that include demographic information, knowledge about breast and cervical cancer, awareness of screening methods, sources of health information, and attitudes towards breast cancer prevention and treatment. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the demographic characteristics and awareness levels of participants. The factors associated with awareness levels was identified using factor analysis. The findings of this study showed the current state of awareness and attitudes toward breast and cervical cancer among women in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The results identified the gaps in knowledge and areas for targeted interventions to promote cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the reduction of breast and cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the region.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Cervical Kanser
• Meme Kanseri
• Kadın ve Sağlık
• Farkındalık
• Eğilim

Kaynakça

1. Abeje, S., Seme, A. & Tibelt, A. (2019). Factors associated with breast cancer screening awareness and practices of women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, BMC women's health, 19 (1), 4.
2. Ajayi, M. P., Amoo, E. O., Olawande, T. I. et al. (2019). Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Women in the Informal Sector in Nigeria, Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7 (14), 2371-2376.
3. Akoto, E. J., Allsop, M. J. (2023). Factors Influencing the Experience of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. JCO global oncology, 9, e2200359.
4. ASCO. (2020). Understanding Statistics Used to Guide Prognosis and Evaluate Treatment. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/understanding-statistics-used-guide-prognosis-and-evaluate-treatment
5. Aydın Avci, I., Kumcagiz H., Altinel B. et al. (2014). Turkish female academician self-esteem and health beliefs for breast cancer screening, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 15(1), 155-60.
6. Bhatla, N., Meena, J., Kumari, S. et al. (2021). Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts in India, Indian Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, 19(3), 41.