Awareness and Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in Onitsha, South-East, Nigeria

Cervical cancer is the second commonest female malignancy in the world. It is the leading cause of gynaecological cancers in the developing countries. The cornerstone of the preventive measure is the use of cervical screening. This study was undertaken to investigate the awareness of cervical cancer screening and uptake among women in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Data were collected using close-ended structured questionnaires. 450 questionnaires, based on completeness were analyzed. Percentages were calculated and expressed in simple descriptive statistics. Results showed that the awareness of cervical cancer screening was 160 (35.56%), while 8 (1.78%) had done the test. The reasons for not doing the test were: cost 70 (15.84%), lack of facility 70 (15.84%), lack of awareness 228 (51.58%), distance 13 (2.94%), do not think it is necessary 52 (11.76%), no reason 9 (2.04%). Majority of the respondents were traders 120 (26.67%) and students 119 (26.44%). 133 (29.56%) had secondary education, while 284 (63.11%) had tertiary education. In conclusion, the awareness was very low. The uptake was poor. Public enlightenment campaign targeting women should be instituted. Cervical cancer screening should be made affordable and available to women