RUNNING HEAD: Cervical cancer 1

Interview-Based Report Writing of CHN-II.

Title: Awareness and knowledge regarding Cervical Cancer

Topic: Cervical Cancer

Submitted by:

Mehrish Gul

Misbah Kamni

Abdul Rehman (0619)

Muhammad Farhan

Mariam Amjad

Subject: Community Health Nursing-II.

Submitted to: Mam Farha Naem

Submission Date: 15th Sep 2023

Shifa College of Nursing, H/8, Islamabad

Introduction
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Breast Cancer is the malignancy of breast tissues which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer

in women worldwide. Globally it accounts for 23% of all cancer cases ( Jemal et al 2011 ). All

women are at risk of breast cancer. According to WHO figures more than 1.2 million people are

diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year (Zahra et al.2013). It is rare in males. It is

more common in the Pakistani population as compared to the Western population. One in every

nine women in Pakistan is affected with breast cancer which is the highest incidence rate in Asia.

Breast cancer originates from the breast tissue most commonly from the inner lining of milk

ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the lobules (lobular carcinoma ) that supply the ducts with milk. In

all over the world cancer cases 22.9% of cases are breast cancer. Breast Cancer has resulted in

458503 deaths in 2008. Recovery from breast cancer depends on the cancer type, stage,

treatment, and geographical location of the patient. Normal cells divide many times when needed

and stop dividing when no more need but cancer cells continue to divide. Studies were covered

that reviewed many aspects of breast cancer in Pakistan. Including epidemiology risk factors,

screening tests, clinical presentation, and prevention. Analysis indicates that genetics family

history, smoking, obesity, radiation, exposure, and hormone replacement are associated with

breast cancer and also poor screening knowledge.

Selection of the topic

Our faculty assigned the topic of Breast Cancer. After that, all group members reviewed different

articles about breast cancer and found that worldwide breast cancer is the most frequently

occurring malignancy in women. It has a high mortality and prevalence rate among females,

especially in Pakistan; the only reason we found was that breast cancer is an ignored ailment in

Pakistan in terms of prevention, and screening. Its high prevalence, mortality rates, and lack of

awareness and education among people regarding breast cancer increased our interest in it. So
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the essential and foremost reason to pursue this topic is to provide awareness and education

among people.

Significance in terms of country

Breast cancer holds immense significance in Pakistan due to its high prevalence and impact on

public health. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

1. High incidence and mortality rate: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer

among women in Pakistan. The country has witnessed a steady rise in the number of breast

cancer cases over the years. It represents a major public health concern as these cases often go

undetected until advanced stages, leading to a higher mortality rate.

2. Lack of awareness and late diagnosis: Awareness about breast cancer and its early detection is

relatively low in Pakistan. Many women lack knowledge about the importance of regular breast

self-examinations, clinical screenings, and mammography. Due to limited access to healthcare

facilities, especially in rural areas, diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages when treatment

options become more challenging and less effective.

3. Socio-cultural factors and stigma: Sociocultural factors play a significant role in shaping the

understanding and perception of breast cancer in Pakistani society. There is a prevailing stigma

associated with discussing breast health openly, which inhibits women from seeking timely

medical attention. This stigma leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting

the prognosis and survival rates.

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Application to the Field of Nursing

As a nurse one of the most valuable help we can provide as a nurse is to educate and provide

support, education, and awareness regarding breast cancer. We can educate the patient and their

family about breast cancer prevention early detection and treatment options.

A breast cancer diagnosis can have a huge emotional impact on the patient. As a nurse, we can

offer empathetic listening, emotional support, and counseling to the patient.

The number of clients interviewed.

We interviewed a total of 20 people in the hospital and at the Rotary Center using the

questionnaire we developed previously. We interviewed females between the ages of 17 to 60

years of age. We ensure the confidentiality of their data and make them provide us with the most

accurate data possible. During the questioning session, additional information related to breast

cancerS was also provided to them.

Body

The research was done on a diverse group of people with the support of different authentic

articles. We also spoke with residents of Rawalpindi and those who visited the Shifa

International Hospital Islamabad's Radiology, Pediatrics, and Falahi Clinic for routine checkups.

We specifically tried to interview obstetrics and gynecology patients to learn more about their

knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer.

Although this cancer is prevalent, its awareness is not much in the community. In urban areas,

there is little knowledge, but in rural areas, they rarely hear about it. Cervical cancer prevalence

is higher in rural areas, and the data obtained through questionnaires validated it. The

questionnaire developed was based on 20 questions collected from 20 people. The faculty under

whom we were assigned proved the questionnaire.

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Literature review

Globally cervical cancer has become an increasing crisis with little knowledge among the people,

more significantly in developing countries. It has become the two most affecting and fatal

viruses among women (Arbyn et al., 2011; GLOBOCAN, 2012). In developed countries, specific

cervical cancer awareness programs and other resources provide treatment options and education

about it. Still, in developing countries, there is little or even rare knowledge about it in certain

areas.

In Pakistan, its prevalence and incidence are not much recorded. However many deaths due to

cervical cancer have been observed, indicating that its knowledge and early diagnosis are not

promoted in the country. Our research has also shown rare knowledge about prevention,

screening, and its overall ability.

Cervical cancer arises from two types of tumors originating from two cervix layers. Primary

tumor cells contributing to cervical cancer are ectocervix carcinomas, about 75%. Almost 95%

of cancer occurs due to Human Papilloma Virus HPV. Mostly the virus is transient and heals

early, but if the infections are persistent, they are at significant risk of contributing to cervical

cancer.

Women suffering from cervical cancer show early symptoms of blood in urine, persistent vaginal

discharge during intercourse, foul smell from vaginal discharge, and lower back pain. During the

research, little knowledge about the community's signs and symptoms was observed. However it

is evident through literature that knowledge about cervical cancer is negligible among people,

and there is a need for awareness about the disease and its prevention.
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Being a fatal type of cancer, cervical cancer prevention has been introduced by preventing the

human papillomavirus HPV virus through vaccines. Cervix and Gardasil are globally used

vaccines against HPV. Along with it, screening for cervical cancer through a pap smear is also a

preventive measure and is helpful in the early detection and treatment of the disease.

Preventative measures should be promoted more in developing countries to overcome cervical

cancer. Regarding cancer, nurses are aware of the need for early identification and treatment.

Nurses must spread knowledge about cancer and prevention methods as soon as feasible. Nurses

should memorize the cancer screening test guidelines as part of their commitment to saving lives.

Nurses know the value of early diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Nursing care is followed

along with various medical treatments by the targeted management. As a community health

nurse, my central nursing interventions involve participating in awareness campaigns, making an

early diagnosis, and educating people about screening in rural communities, particularly the pap

smear test.

Graphic analysis of breast

cancer
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Question Yes No

(%) (%)

1) Are you aware of the term breast cancer? 85% 15%

2) Have you ever experienced breast cancer? 15% 85%

3) Does anyone in your family has experienced 30% 70%

breast cancer?

4) If yes then did it affect your daily life? 45% 55%

5) Do you know about the signs/symptoms of 70% 30%

breast cancer?

6. Do you know the causes of breast cancer? 70% 30%

7. Do you know the risk factors of breast cancer? 80% 20%

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8) Have you ever experienced symptoms of 60% 40%

breast cancer?
9) Do you know how and when to perform 60% 40%

breast examinations?
10) Have you ever performed a self-breast 70% 30%

examination?
11) Do you know the methods of self-breast 55% 45%

examination?
12) Do you know what the diagnostic tests for 25% 75%

breast cancer are?

13) Do you know the prevention of breast 40% 60%

cancer?

14) Do you think breast cancer has any 70% 30%

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treatment?
15) Have you ever heard about the treatment 60% 40%

for breast cancer?

16) Do you agree most women in our country 90% 10%

are unaware of breast cancer?

Have you ever experienced breast cancer?

No
15%
Yes
No

Yes
85%
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Are you aware of the term breast cancer?

No
15%
Yes
No

Yes
85%

Does anyone in your family has expe-

rienced breast cancer?

yes
Yes
30% no

No
70%
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If yes then did it effect your daily life?

Yes
Yes No
No 45%
55%

Do you know about the sign and

symptoms of breast cancer?

Yes
No No
30%

Yes
70%
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Do you know the causes of breast cancer?

No Yes
30%
No

Yes
70%

Do you know the risk factors of Breast

cancer?

No Yes
20% No

Yes
80%
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Have you experienced symptoms of

breast cancer?

Yes
No
No
40%
Yes
60%

Do you know how and when to perform

Breast examination?

Yes
No
No
40%
Yes
60%
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Have you ever perfomed a self breast

examination?

Yes
No
30% No

Yes
70%

Do you know the methods of self breast

examination?

Yes
No
No
45% Yes
55%
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Do you know what the diagnostic tests for

breast cancer are?

Yes
Yes
25% No

No
75%

Do you know the prventions of breast

cancer?

yes
No
yes
40%
No
60%
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Do you think breast cancer has any

treatment?

Yes
No No
30%

Yes
70%

Have you ever heard about the treatment

for breast cancer?

Yes
No
No
40%
Yes
60%
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Do you agree most women in our country

are unaware of breast cancer?

No
10% Yes
No

Yes
90%