Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem in the world. It is the most common gynecological cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, also it is one of the most preventable cancers. Awareness and attitude toward cervical cancer are important factors that may prevent or make the disease more curable when a patient diagnosed to have cervical cancer; teachers are in a better position to educate young girls under their domain and the society at large, and can play an important role in increasing awareness among the general population.
Objective: To assess the awareness of cervical cancer among teachers in urban schools in Al-Ahsa.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at different schools in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between July 2015 and October 2015. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, early signs and symptoms, risk factors and prevention of cervical cancer.
Result: The responses of 290 women; 42 (14.5%) single, 232 (80%) married, 10 (3.4%) divorced, and 6 (2.1%) widowed. The mean age of the respondents was 36.4 years and all of the respondents are educated, Most of the women were not aware of the early warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors. On average, 63.7% of the teachers were not aware of the early signs and symptoms 58.2% of the women do not have knowledge about the risk factors of cervical cancers. 66.2% of the teachers not aware of the availability of screening program KSA. Most of the women (90%) were not aware of the availability of a vaccine against human papillomavirus.
Conclusion: The majority of teachers have inadequate knowledge about early warning signs and symptoms, risk factors and prevention of cervical cancer.