STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF CERVICAL CANCER RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION AMONG WOMEN IN SUMAILA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

ABSTRACT This study titled “Study on Knowledge and Awareness of Cervical Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Among Women in Sumaila Local Government Area, Kano State” was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures among women in the study area. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 150 women selected through a simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while a Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between educational level and awareness of cervical cancer. The findings revealed that 65.3% of the respondents had heard of cervical cancer, mainly through health workers (23.3%) and friends or relatives (16.7%). However, knowledge of risk factors and symptoms was generally poor. Only 14.7% of the respondents had ever undergone cervical cancer screening, and awareness of the HPV vaccination was low (40%). The major barriers to screening were lack of awareness, unavailability of nearby facilities, and financial constraints. A significant relationship was found between educational level and awareness of cervical cancer (p < 0.05). The study concludes that although awareness of cervical cancer exists among women in Sumaila LGA, comprehensive knowledge and screening practices remain low. It is recommended that health education programs, community sensitization campaigns, and integration of cervical cancer awareness into reproductive health services be strengthened to improve prevention and early detection. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Awareness, Risk Factors, Prevention, Women, Sumaila, Kano State.