Abstract

Aim: Cervical cancer is the most common genital tract malignancy among women in developing  ountries. It accounts for more than 250,000 deaths yearly most of which occur in the developing countries. The aim of this work was to assess the awareness of cervical cancer among Igbo women in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria was conducted and the data analyzed. Results: Our research revealed that 37.6% of respondents were aware of cervical cancer while 26.0% were aware of cervical screening and only 11.1 % had ever done Pap smear. Age, education and occupation were significantly associated with awareness of cervical cancer, cervical screening and having done Pap smear. There was no association between marital status and awareness of cervical cancer and cervical screening, but there was an association between marital status and having done Pap smear. Conclusion: National cervical smear screening policy is advocated.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, Cervical screening, Pap smear