Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Market Women in Calabar, Cross River State

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Nigeria, with low uptake of screening services attributed largely to inadequate awareness and health education. This study assessed awareness of cervical cancer and uptake of screening services among market women in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with 280 women purposively selected from Watt Market and Marian Market. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square were applied in data analysis. Findings indicated that while 74 percent of respondents had heard of cervical cancer, only 19 percent had ever undergone screening. Key barriers included fear of a positive diagnosis, cost of services, lack of spousal encouragement, and misinformation about the screening process. Women who had received formal health education on cervical cancer were significantly more likely to have been screened (p less than 0.05). The study recommended that health education on cervical cancer, including information on available free screening programmes, be integrated into market community outreach activities. Collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health and relevant NGOs is encouraged to expand community-based screening services. Keywords: cervical cancer, awareness, screening, market women, Calabar