Abstract:

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women, it caused 342,000 deaths worldwide in 2020. [1] 83% of all new cases that occur annually and 85% of all deaths from cancer of the cervix occur in developing countries especially in the sub-Saharan countries like Tanzania.[2] In Tanzania cervical cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, not only among gynaecological cancer but in all cancers.[3] Each year more than 7,300Tanzanian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than half of these women die as there are diagnosed at late stage of the disease.[4] With proper screening, the disease can be detected early enough and cure is possible. Also prevention is possible through HPV vaccination, and practicing safe sexual behaviours like avoiding multiple sexual partners, using condoms and avoiding early sexual debut. However, there seems to be low awareness and limited knowledge of cancer of the cervix which hinders effective utilization of available preventive measures.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 240 students selected by using systematic random sampling method. The data was obtained through interview using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was made using SPSS version 20.

Results: the study involved 240 respondents, 150(65.0%) of the respondents were aged between 16-19 years. 238(99.2%) of respondents had ever heard of cancer of the cervix, most mentioned source of information was Television 116(48.3%), family members, neighbours and friends were the least source of information 37(15.4%), this might be due to cultural barriers on speaking about reproductive health. Awareness and knowledge of cancer of the cervix was statistically significant associated by the age group and education level of the respondents. But gender was significant associated with knowledge of cancer of the cervix only.

Conclusion: There was relatively high level of awareness but low level of knowledge about cancer of the cervix among students especially those in lower age groups. However cancer of the cervix is a preventable disease and can be treated on it early precancerous stages. So there is a need emphasize on other interactive source of information like seminars, health facility, and school so as to provide sufficient knowledge about cancer of the cervix to both male and females. Which might allow effective utilization of the preventive methods like HPV vaccination and use of condoms during sexual intercourse also promote regular screening behaviour among females.