Tadzong-Awasum, Grace and Morgan, Julia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-7593 (2021) Women’s perspectives on cervical cancer screening in Biyemassi, Yaoundé, Cameroon. International Public Health Journal, 13 (2). pp. 147-155. ISSN 1947-4989

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Abstract

Cervical cancer is reported to being the 2nd most frequent cancer for women aged 15-49 years in Cameroon. The World Health Organization recommends that all women are screened at least once within the age group 30-49 years to reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer. However, although there are recommendations around cervical cancer screening, take up of screening is often low especially in low income countries. A qualitative hermeneutic study was undertaken to understand women’s perspectives on screening for cervical cancer in order to ensure that preventative measures such as screening are utilized. Five themes emerged from an analysis of the qualitative data: 1.) Women lack information and knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, 2) Fear deters women from cervical cancer screening, 3) Feeling of shame and embarrassment limits access, 4) Lack of free services and financial issues impact on take up of cervical screening and 5) Recommendations from women to improve cervical cancer uptake of screening and other interventions. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health in Cameroon provide resources, empower and motivate health care personnel to extend health educational programs into the communities that will target women. There is also a need to either increase free cancer screening sessions or provide subsidies that will reduce the burden of user fee payment.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cervical cancer screening, women’s perspectives, Cameroon
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer) R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2022 01:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/33705

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