Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening among Iraqi immigrant women living in Malaysia

• Published in: World Journal of Medical Sciences
• Main Author: Osman M.T.; Al-Naggar R.A.; Taha B.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84877297929&doi=10.5829%2fidosi.wjms.2013.8.2.7332&partnerID=40&md5=bab6187f1e5aadedaf3c343432b035a4

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women worldwide. It ranks as the 7th most frequent cancer among Iraqi women and it is the 2nd most common cancer in Malaysia. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer among Iraqi women living in Malaysia. A self- administrated Arabic version questionnaire distributed among 142 Iraqi women in Malaysia. One hundred and eight participants ranging in age from 18 to 61 years (Mean = 36.1) returned the completed questionnaire. A lack of knowledge on cervical cancer and the Pap smear test was found among the respondents. Many women did not have a clear understanding of the meaning of an abnormal cervical smear and the need for the early detection of cervical cancer. These findings emphasize the need to educate and promote awareness among immigrant Iraqi women in Malaysia to risk factors for cervical cancer and to the need and the purpose of Pap smear screening. © IDOSI Publications, 2013.