What do British women know about cervical cancer symptoms and risk factors?
OBJECTIVE
To identify levels of cervical cancer risk factor and symptom awareness, as well as predictors of higher awareness in a United Kingdom (UK) female population.


METHODS
Population based survey.


METHODS
Participants' homes in the UK.


METHODS
UK representative sample of females aged 16 years and over (n=1392).


METHODS
Respondents completed the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure which included questions on awareness of cervical cancer symptoms and risk factors (both recalled and recognised). Linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of higher symptom and risk factor recognition scores.


METHODS
Awareness of cervical cancer symptoms and risk factors.


RESULTS
Sixty-five percent of respondents were unable to recall any risk factors and 75% were unable to recall any symptoms. Awareness was higher when women were prompted (95% recognised at least one risk factor and 93% at least one symptom). Independent predictors of risk factor recognition were older age and higher education. Symptom recognition was associated with older age, White ethnicity, higher education and having a close experience of cervical cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
To reduce inequalities in awareness, interventions should target younger women with lower education and those from ethnic minority groups.
Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. e.low@ucl.ac.uk
Emma L
EL
Low
Alice E
AE
Simon
Jane
J
Lyons
Debbie
D
Romney-Alexander
Jo
J
Waller
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001364:Awareness; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult