Knowledge and Attitude towards Cervical Cancer and its Prevention among Women in Urban Area of Himachal Pradesh

Dr. Shivika Mittal, Dr. Monica Chauhan, Dr. Prashant Dhatwalia

Abstract: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide and India cost one - third of the worldwide disease burden. Cervical cancer is preventable if detected in pre - cancerous stages and Pap smear and HPV vaccination are two available methods for early diagnosis and prevention of cervical cancer. The knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention is low in developing countries and hence, this study was conducted in the urban region of Himachal Pradesh to assess the knowledge and attitude of women towards cervical cancer and its prevention. The result show low level of knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention in women attending the hospital.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, knowledge, attitude, prevention, Pap smear, HPV vaccine