Abstract:
Background: Cancer is major public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. The prevalence of
cancer is increasing in developing world due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of
western life styles. Thus, the present study was carried out to assess the extent of awareness towards cancer among
women of urban slums in their reproductive age group.
Methods: Community based cross sectional study was carried out by interviewing women of reproductive age group
residing in urban slums using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma to assess awareness towards cancer. Descriptive
statistics was applied to assess the awareness level and the association between two attributes was calculated by chi-
square test.
Results: A total of 182 women were interviewed. Out of which 39.56% were in 20-24 years age group. 46.15% were
housewives and most of them belonged to middle class families. Though the knowledge regarding cancer, especially
about modes of transmission, symptoms and laboratory diagnosis was found satisfactory but was accompanied by
misconceptions. 71.43% women were aware about its prevention, mostly by changing life styles and by getting
screening done at regular intervals.
Conclusion: Thus, impetus has to be laid upon screening regarding cancer during reproductive age group and
enlightenment of the women about cancer screening centres available at the hospitals, so as to heighten the knowledge
of facilities for a better reproductive life.
