Knowledge and Risk factors of Cervical cancer among women in towns of Pune Division - Maharashtra

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is a worldwide disease with 97000 of new cases per year occurring in most populated country, India. The objective of this study was to find possible factors which could affect knowledge about CC and, some CC risk factors in our community. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Maharashtra, State of India. Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level of education and the young age of women. Risk factors although universal seem to vary according to the geographical area and the socio-cultural environment where one lives. Some risk factors identified are early onset of sexual intercourse, polygamous marriages, multiple sexual partners, the sexual behavior of the male partner, Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Human Deficiency Virus (HIV), and history of genital warts. No enhancement of lifestyle as the voluntary refusal of cervical cancer screening and CC vaccination have also be found to be risky attitudes for CC.