Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women and in most developing countries, the most common form. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward Pap testing and cancer of the cervix among women between the ages of 40 - 64 years in Grenada, West Indies. Data were collected to provide baseline information for planning of a public awareness program. Households were selected from the telephone directory using random sampling and eligible women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A total of 258 women completed the interview, giving a response rate of 70.9%. Approximately 81% of the women reported knowledge of Pap tests, with 79.5% having had one. Women who were married or in a common law relationship and women 40-59 years old were significantly more likely to have had a Pap test. Age was also significantly associated with reasons for screening. Only about 39% of the women perceived themselves to be at risk of developing cervical cancer. Many of the women in Grenada have been screened for cancer of the cervix but a significant number of them are not fully aware of the risk factors for the disease. This may be as a result of Pap testing being part of a routine examination after giving birth. Future planning efforts for cervical cancer should involve both screening and a targeted educational component.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Public Health Education and Health Promotion, Cancer Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.