Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in the cervix. One of
the most common symptoms of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some
cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an
advanced (GLOBOCAN, 2008). Among all malignant tumours, cervical cancer is the one
which can be most effectively controlled by organized screening programmes(Arbyan
M,2009). The aim of the present study is to examine women’s awareness of cervical cancer,
to investigate women’s perception of screening programmes , Finally To determine factors
influencing utilization of services. This is a descriptive and cross sectional study was
conducted in Zawia teaching hospital, from August 2015 to September 2015with total of 200
respondents. With self-administered questionnaire was used to obtained information on the
socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, Knowledge, perception about cervical
cancer screening, as well as barriers against screening services. Fifty-three point five
percent(107) of the women were aged 30–39 years and 63 (31.5%) were aged 40–49 years.
Ten percent (20) of the respondents were aged 50 years and above. This means that the
majority of the respondents were still within the reproductive age group 90% of the
respondents were heard of cervical cancer and 51% heard of cervical cancer screening
programmed . 91(45.5%) and 88(44%) of staff heard about cervical cancer from a physician
and TV/Radio respectively.While 89(44.5%) and 56(28%) of staff heard about cervical cancer
screening from TV/Radio and physicianrespectively.
Key words: Knowledge, attitude, barriers, cervical cancer, screening , Libya