Title:
Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer and Screening Methods Among Women in the Northern Regional Hospital, Tamale

Authors:
Ana Maria Simono Charadan; Linda Akungila; Sasha Hernandez, Ghana

Abstract:

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.  In 2022, the WHO reported an estimated 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths, mostly in developing countries. The Africa Health Organization estimates it accounts for over 22% of female cancers in the region, while in Ghana prevalence is 18.3 per 100,000 women. This study evaluated knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and its screening methods among women attending the Northern Regional Hospital, Tamale. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed involving 333 women aged 18–49 years, selected through convenience and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire. Only 18.5% of participants knew that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer. The most commonly identified symptoms were intermenstrual bleeding (93.9%) and dyspareunia (67.7%). Recognized risk factors included having a partner with multiple sexual partners (71.3%) and persistent HPV infection (62.9%). Although 40.2% of women recognized the Pap smear as a screening test, 86.8% had never undergone screening. Key barriers were lack of awareness (89.2%), perceived cost (59.2%), fear of results, limited access, and concerns about stigma from positive outcomes. The findings underscore critical knowledge and awareness gaps contributing to low screening uptake. Strengthening education, expanding access, and addressing misconceptions are essential to improve cervical cancer prevention. Collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and partners such as AMPATH and the Ghana Health Service has already contributed to raising awareness, but more comprehensive interventions are needed to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Ghana.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2025.9506