UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:To show the role of adverse socio-cultural beliefs that may affect the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast and cervical cancers in a developing country.

Methods: Information was obtained from patients visiting our out-patient department and from women(15 years and above) who attended our free cancer screening programme,using structured questionaires, interviews and focused group discussions.

Results: The study showed the folowing: 1. Only a small percentage of the population have some appreciable level of awareness about the diseases under study, and utilize the available health care facilities. 2.The factors found to influence the outcome of breast and cervical cancers in our locality was identified to include adverse traditional beliefs, poverty, illieracy, and myths about the disease.