AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE OF WOMEN TOWARDS BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER IN TAMIL NADU

Abstract

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are major community health concerns for womenfolk worldwide, and prevention by early detection display a vital part in reducing the burden of these ailments. Understanding the awareness and attitudes of women to breast and cervical cancer is crucial in formulating targeted public health initiatives to progress prevention, early finding, and treatment outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to assess the awareness and attitude of womenfolk towards breast and cervical cancer in Tamil Nadu. Methods: This study conducted in ten districts of Tamil Nadu which is part of Southern India. A random sampling method was used to select a representative sample of women aged 18 to 60 years from urban and rural areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires that include demographic details, awareness about breast and cervical cancer, attitudes towards breast and cervical cancer, awareness on prevention and treatment. Descriptive method recapitulates the demographic characteristics and awareness of the participants. The factors associated with awareness and attitude was identified to carry out the study. Conclusions: The study showed that most young participants were conscious of breast cancer as a disease, but their awareness and understanding of the disease were moderate. The awareness and attitudes toward cervical cancer among women in Tamil Nadu was less. The study urges the need to intensify awareness programmes about cervical cancer and vaccination through the public and private hospitals to the community women.