Assessing ovarian cancer awareness and screening practices at Panjab University, Chandigarh

Abstract

Objectives: Ovarian cancer (OC) poses a significant global health threat for women due to its high mortality rate and lack of reliable screening methods. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes. Empowering women with knowledge about risk factors and symptoms is essential for early detection and improved prognosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the female population of Panjab University, Chandigarh, including students, teaching, and non-teaching staff. Information on OC awareness was collected through a self-administered, structured, pretested, and validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis utilized proportions and the Chi-square test. Results: The survey revealed limited understanding of OC risk factors and symptoms among respondents. Overall awareness was low in both areas. In addition, a significant correlation was found between awareness of screening patterns and respondents’ occupations. Conclusion: There was a very poor knowledge about OC, its risk factors, symptoms, and screening patterns among females in university.