Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among women in low-resource settings, including Cameroon. Despite being preventable and treatable, cervical cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, especially in developing countries.

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of cervical cancer screening among female students aged 18–25 years at Holy Infant University Institute Melen, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 100 female students, using structured questionnaires to collect data on their awareness, understanding, and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS (25.0), and results were presented using pie charts, bar charts, and tables.

The findings revealed that while a majority of students (59%) correctly identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary cause of cervical cancer, significant gaps in knowledge persisted regarding other causes, symptoms, and age-related risks.

For instance, only 48% of students recognized unusual vaginal bleeding as a symptom, and 43% correctly identified older women (46–55 years) as the high-risk group. Furthermore, 66% of students found cervical cancer screening embarrassing, and 81% cited lack of access to healthcare as a barrier to screening. Despite these barriers, 95% of students acknowledged the life-saving potential of early detection through screening.

The study highlights the urgent need for educational campaigns to improve knowledge about cervical cancer and its prevention, as well as the importance of addressing cultural and social barriers that deter women from seeking screening.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background

1.1.1 Global context

According to WHO, in 2021 an estimated  660,000  new cases of cervical cancer cases were diagnosed globally, resulting in 350,000 deaths. According to the International Agency for Research 2018 on Cancer, 528,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed worldwide. In 2022, more than 662,301 new cases of cervical cancer were registered, and about 350,000 women died of cervical cancer (World Cancer Research Fund 2022)

1.1.2 America Content

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in the Americas, with varying incidence rates across countries. In the United States, the implementation of widespread screening programs, such as Pap smears and HPV testing has contributed to a decline in cervical cancer rates over the past few decades. However, disparities persist, particularly among marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare resources. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to improve knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, especially among young women. Continued efforts are needed to enhance preventive measures and ensure equitable access to screening services across the region.

1.1.3 Africa context                       

In Africa, cervical cancer is a major health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. According to who cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer among women in Africa, with an estimated 119,000 new cases and  76000 deaths in 2018. (WHO 2018). The age-standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer in Africa is  34.6 per 100,000 women per year according to International Agency For Research on Cancer 2021.

1.1.4 Cameroon Context

According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Cameroon, accounting for 22.1 of all female cancers (WHO 2020). In 2018, the were 2356 new cases of cervical cancer and 1546 deaths in Cameroon World Health Organisation 2018.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer 2020  reported that the cervical cancer incidence rate in Cameroon is 34.6 per 100,000 women per year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, the human papillomavirus vaccine coverage among girls aged 9 to 14 years in Cameroon is 14.4 %, which is higher than the global average of 13.1 per 100,000 women per

1.2 Statement of the problem

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern worldwide, with approximately 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths reported in 2018 (WHO, 2019). In Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, with an estimated 75,000 new cases and 47,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2018). In Cameroon specifically, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, accounting for approximately 20% of all cancer deaths, (GLOBOCAN, 2020). Despite being preventable and treatable, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in developing countries accounting for 85% of cervical cancer deaths.

The lack of knowledge and misconception about cervical cancer among women, particularly in low resource settings hinder early detection and prevention efforts, contributing to high mortality rates and further negative consequences such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination pelvic pain and most especially painful sexual intercourse.

To combat cervical cancer, several measures have been implemented, including the introduction of the HPV vaccine, which protects against the most common high-risk strains of the virus. Screening programs, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, have been expanded to facilitate early detection and treatment of precancerous changes.

Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and the importance of regular screening. Additionally, efforts to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved populations, are crucial for effective prevention (WHO, 2021).

Despite the various implementations and solutions by the World Health Organization cervical cancer mortality rate has increased due to limited access to HPV vaccination and screening services, the high cost of HPV vaccines and screening tests, cultural and social barriers to seeking healthcare services and equally high prevalence of HIV infection (CDC, 2018).

Lastly, a young woman was encountered at the hospital by the researcher, that had been diagnosed with cervical cancer but had no prior knowledge about the disease, and her diagnosis was already at an advanced stage. This encounter left a lasting impression, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education about cervical cancer, as well as the importance of promoting screening and early detection.

1.3 Significance of the study

This study will provide valuable insight for various stakeholder

1.3.1 To the Researcher:

This study will deepen the researcher’s understanding of the factors influencing cervical cancer screening awareness among young women. It will also enhance their skills in data collection and analysis, contributing to their academic growth and expertise in public health.

1.3.1 To the School:

The findings can guide the development of health education programs at Holy Infant University, promoting awareness about cervical cancer and encouraging preventive health practices among students. This can lead to a healthier campus culture.

1.3.2 To the Ministry of Health:

The insights gained from this study can assist health policymakers in crafting effective awareness campaigns and screening programs tailored to young women. This can help improve early detection rates and reduce cervical cancer incidence nationwide.

1.3.3 To the Community:

By raising awareness about cervical cancer screening, the study can empower young women in the community to take charge of their health. This can foster a culture of preventive care, ultimately leading to lower cervical cancer rates and improved overall community health.

1.4 Research Questions

1.4.1 Main research question

1. What is the knowledge and perception of students concerning cervical cancer among female students at Holy Infant University aged 18-25 years?

1.4.1.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What is the knowledge of students concerning cervical cancer screening among female students at Holy Infant University aged 18-25 years?
2. What is the perception of students regarding cervical cancer screening among female students at Holy Infant University aged 18-25 years?

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