Factors Related to Delayed Presentation of Cervical Cancer among Adult Females at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally and in Sri Lanka. Delayed presentation of cervical cancer, increases morbidity, mortality, and decrease the survival rate of these patients. This study examined factors related to a delayed presentation of cervical cancer among adult females with cervical cancer. A descriptive cross-sectional design with an interviewer-administered questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of participants (n=286) with cervical cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Nearly half of the participants were 56 years and older, did not attend to well women clinic and had not had a Pap smear test. There was a significant association between age and knowledge regarding cervical cancer, education level and knowledge regarding cervical cancer (p˂0.05). Low level of education, old age, poor knowledge about cervical cancer, non-attendance of well women clinics, no pap test were associated with a delayed presentation of cervical cancer. Awareness of regular cervical cancer screening could reduce delayed presentation.