Knowledge Level of Cervical Cancer Among Women in Cameroon
Ngwayu Claude Nkfusai1 and Samuel Nambile Cumber2*
1 Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Cameroon
2 Department of Public Health and Community Medicine (EPSO), University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Submission:September 14, 2018 ; Published: September 26, 2018
*Corresponding author: Samuel Nambile Cumber, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine (EPSO), University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Tel:+46722614019 ; Email:samuel.cumber@gu.se
How to cite this article: Ngwayu C N, Samuel N C. Knowledge Level of Cervical Cancer Among Women in Cameroon. J Gynecol Women’s Health. 2018: 12(1): 555830. DOI: 10.19080/JGWH.2018.12.555830
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of dead among women in Africa and Cameroon in particular. It is cancer of the lower portion of the uterus, just above the vagina. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus which is transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse. We aimed at finding the reasons why this cancer very common among women in Africa and Cameroon in particular and also to find out if Cameroonian women are aware of the disease using a cross sectional designed study. We found out that more than 50% of the women never knew or have never heard nor screened for cervical cancer.
Introduction
Cervical cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer after breast cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death among females in under developed countries. Incidence rates are the highest in countries with low income. Nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occurred in developing parts of the world [1]. Cervical cancer has emerged to become a major public health concern in the 21st century, alongside HIV/AIDS [2]. A crosssectional study was conducted in 6 regions in Cameroon found a national prevalence is 3.9% and also found a low awareness level of the disease [3]. A study carried out in schools and clinics in the North West Region of Cameroon revealed an awareness of cervical cancer, preventive measures, screening method and HPV vaccination of above 70% [4].
Study Designed
A cross sectional study among 433 women in the Buea Health District, Fako Division in the South West Region. Questionnaires were given and analyzed almost immediately and the results presented in frequency distribution tables.