Women's awareness, knowledge and perceived magnitude regarding common female cancers in Yangon, Myanmar

Early detection and diagnosis can greatly increases the chances for successful treatment particularly relevant for common female cancers like cancer breast and cervix. Increased awareness of the possible warning signs of these cancers among general public is a necessity. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the women's awareness and knowledge on common female cancers and estimating the perceived magnitude and survival of these cancers. A total of 400 women were interviewed using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Mean age of women was 48.4 years and majority were married, dependent and primary school passed. Almost all (99.3%) were aware of breast cancer and only (69.5%) were aware of cervical cancer. Breast lump was considered as a condition that will later develop into cancer by (38.8%) and (41.5%) mentioned that it was painless in early stage. Abnormal bleeding per vagina and white discharge were mentioned as main symptoms of cervical cancer (76.3%, 63.3%). Regarding the risk of cervical cancer, female hygiene was indicated by (88.5%) and number of sexual partners by (77.0%). Almost all of them said that both diseases can be cured at early stage. Cancer breast, uterus and cervix were mentioned as the most common female cancers according to their perceived magnitude. Although cervical and breast cancer were perceived as common female cancers, health education activities regarding risk factors and early warning signs of these cancer still need to be promoted.