Cervical cancer: Risk factors and uptake of screening among expectant mothers in Abakaliki

Abstract

Context: cancer remains the most common reason for death from gynaecological malignancy in Nigeria while screening remains opportunistic. Pregnancy provides a veritable ample opportunity for screening for this malignancy. Aim: to evaluate the risk factors for cervical cancer among antenatal clinic attendees at a tertiary centre and assess their uptake of cervical screening. Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study using questionnaires. Result: Three hundred and eighty five out of the 400 questionnaires distributed were analysed. The mean age of respondents was 31.3+6.8 years. Majority 73.2% had tertiary level of education. Only 54% have ever heard of cervical cancer screening. Knowledge was gained mainly via health workers and the media. Of these, only 32 (8.3%) have ever been screened. Many of them (48.3% to 62.5%) knew of some of the risk factors but most of them had no established risk factors. Conclusion: While knowledge of cervical cancer screening is average amongst antenatal clinic attendees at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakailki is average, the uptake is quite abysmal. Antenatal clinic visits provide an opportunity to increase awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age.