Knowledge and attitudes relating to cervical and breast cancer among women in Maseru, Lesotho.

Abstract

Cancer has remained one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In Lesotho, breast and cervical cancers contribute about 43% of all the cancer cases annually. This study is aimed at comparing knowledge, attitudes, and practices between breast and cervical cancers among females in Maseru. This study consists of women residing in five study sites which have clinics that offer cervical and breast cancer-screening services. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 in Maseru, the Capital city of Lesotho. The participants were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire, through which their knowledge, practices about, and attitudes towards breast and cervical cancers were assessed. A total of 228 women aged 15-75 years participated in the study and the majority were aged 30 years and above. Of the women interviewed for cervical cancer, 89.5% had heard of it, 11.8% had heard of its screening, and 7.4% had at least one examination. Similarly, for breast cancer, 77.6% of women who had heard of it, 72.9% had heard of screening, and 40.1% of women did at least one examination. The majority of women were more knowledgeable about cervical cancer than breast cancer. However, more women had heard about breast cancer screening than cervical cancer screening. Therefore, there is a need for awareness campaigns related to cervical cancers' screening.Contribution: There is an urgent need to intensify awareness about cervical and breast cancer screening and availability of services at the nearby clinics.