Project Materials

KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG FEMALE PART-TIME STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Cervical cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women globally, particularly those aged 20 to 39. It contributes significantly to the cancer burden in all cultures and economies.

Cervical cancer also causes approximately 270,000 deaths worldwide, the vast majority of which occur in less developed countries (Imam, 2008).

Cervical cancer kills more than 270,000 people worldwide each year, accounting for 9% of all female cancer deaths. 85% of occurrences occur in impoverished areas, particularly Africa (Campbell, 2008).

Cervical cancer remained the second highest cause of cancer mortality in women, following breast cancer, and the fifth most lethal malignancy, accounting for nearly 10% of cancer deaths (Okonofua, 2007).

Developing nations have a disproportionate burden, accounting for 80% of the 250,000 cervical cancer deaths in 2005 (WHO, 2007; Uysal & Birsel, 2009).

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the uterine cervix or cervical region. This occurs when normal cells in the cervix transform into cancer cells (Arbyn 2005).

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is a prerequisite for the development of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus infection acquired through sexual contact causes cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (Colgan, 2006).

HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, and while most women’s systems are capable of fighting the infection, the virus can occasionally cause cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases, while types 6 and 11 account for 90% of genital warts cases.

Precancerous changes in the cervix may be detected during persistent HPV infection, that is, readily detectable changes in the cells lining the cervix’s surface;

thus, early detection and treatment of these changes is an effective strategy for cervical cancer prevention and serves as the foundation of cervical screening programs (Stephen, 2006).

Women having multiple sexual partners, as well as those whose partners have had multiple sexual partners or have already been exposed to the virus, are more likely to get the disease (WHO, 2007).