Cervical cancer knowledge and sources of information among African American college women

African American women are two times more likely to die from cervical cancer than Caucasian women, despite having similar rates of pap testing. African American women may not be as knowledgeable of this disease. This study compares knowledge of cervical cancer between African American and Caucasian women and identifies where they received cancer information. Although African American women's self-report Pap test rate is similar to Caucasian women, the difference in the mortality rate emphasizes the importance of continued education about cervical cancer for earlier diagnosis.

The sample (N=434) consisted of 364 African American and 70 Caucasian female college students from 5 randomly selected historically black colleges and universities (HBCU's) and 2 majority institutions . In-class descriptive cervical cancer knowledge surveys, source of information surveys, and demographic questionnaires were administered to these students. Out of a total of 15 questions, the average score for cervical cancer knowledge was significantly higher for Caucasian women than African American women at 7.23 and 6.74 respectively. There were significant differences in how the two groups answered some items. African American women were less likely to know that pap tests screen for cervical cancer, were not as clear whether women 21 years or older should have a pap test, and believed that a girl should have a pap test when she has her first period. The most utilized source for cancer information was the doctor among African American women (38.5%) and family and friends among Caucasian women (43%). Moreover, a small percentage of both African American and Caucasian women received information from their student health centers.

Most female college students are in an atmosphere where cervical cancer information from reputable sources should be readily available. Interventions and programs should be introduced into this setting for the purpose of increasing their knowledge about this disease. Colleges and universities could collaborate with school organizations, community organizations, and health centers to educate students about cervical cancer and promote cancer screenings. This type of cooperation between organizations could aid in the elimination of cancer disparities.