Evaluation of knowledge of women 15-49 years for cancer screening test: Findings from the ADHS study

Rudina Çumashi¹, Ervisa Demollari², Entela Neziri¹, Romina Hala¹, Gentiana Qirjako^1,2

¹ Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania;

² Health Care Services Operator

³Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.

Background: Breast and cervical cancer are among the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Screening test and early diagnosis for cancer are some of the best tools to prevent cancer morbidity and mortality. Mammography is the most widely used screening modality for the detection of breast cancer and Pap test screening for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge of women about cancer screening test.

Methodology: In 2017/18 the second round of ADHS (Albania Demographic Health Study) was carried out in Albania. ADHS is a nationally representative sample survey designed to provide information on population and health issues in Albania. A comparison of the result from ADHS 2008-09 and 2017-18 was conducted about knowledge of women 15-49 years on cancer screening tests.

Results: Between two surveys 2008-09 and 2017-18, knowledge about mammography test in women of urban areas was increased from 84.5% to 93% and from 68% to 87% in rural areas. Also knowledge about Pap-test between two surveys was increased from 67% to 84% in urban areas and from 33.4% to 66% in rural areas. In both surveys knowledge about cancer screening test was strongly associated with education and wealth of women. The more educated and wealthy the women were, the more knowledge they had about screening tests for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Conclusion: National awareness campaigns conducted by Institute of Public Health each year for breast cancer and cervical cancer are an effective way to make women aware of how to prevent the development of these cancers. However, more needs to be done to increase the number of women enrolled in screening programs in order to prevent their premature death from these cancers.

Keywords: breast cancer, cervical cancer, knowledge, screening programmes, women.