Analysis of community understanding of the diagnosis of cervical cancer: A cohort study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29059/cie.v2.1.29Keywords:
cáncer cervical, virus del papiloma humano, diagnóstico oportuno, tamizaje, conocimiento comunitarioAbstract
Cervical cancer continues to represent a significant public health problem, particularly in contexts where timely diagnosis and preventive strategies have limited coverage. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of understanding among the female community regarding the diagnosis, risk factors, and early detection strategies for cervical cancer. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a sample of 100 women over 18 years of age, residents of the municipalities of Tampico and Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, without formal training in health sciences. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire that assessed general knowledge, risk factors, preventive practices, and personal medical history. The results revealed a moderate overall level of knowledge, with notable deficiencies in specific diagnostic aspects, particularly in the recognition of combined HPV testing and cytology. Relevant differences were identified according to age group, with higher levels of knowledge observed among young adult women and lower levels among women over 55 years of age. These findings highlight the need to strengthen community-based educational strategies aimed at promoting timely diagnosis, prevention, and effective communication between healthcare services and the population.
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Accepted 2026-04-05
Published 2026-04-30
