Abstract:

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix, the organ connecting the uterus and the vagina. It is predominantly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmittable infection-causing pathogen. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening among women of the reproductive age group in the Chawama compound Lusaka district. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to collect data. The researcher used a questionnaire that included both structured and open-ended questions. Results: Results of this study showed knowledge 59 (73.75%) out of 80 respondents had good knowledge on cervical cancer. The study also revealed that (22%) 18 out of 80 respondents have been screened for cervical cancer, and (78%) 62 out of 80 respondents had never been screened for cervical cancer. The respondents who agreed that cultural beliefs could hinder women from going for cervical cancer were, 18 (22%) out of 80, and 62 (78%) out of 80 denied that cultural beliefs cannot hinder women from going for cervical cancer screening. There is therefore needed to create proper awareness and sensitization of cervical cancer screening as well as improve cervical cancer screening services.

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