Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 20 Years and Above in Mysuru, India

Background: Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. Despite being largely preventable through screening, uptake remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural and systemic barriers. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 women aged ≥20 years residing in urban and rural areas of Mysuru. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 30. Results: Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 90% of participants and of screening methods by 80%. However, only 21% had ever undergone screening and 17% within the preceding three years. While 77% recognized the importance of screening even in the absence of symptoms and 69% expressed willingness if recommended by a healthcare provider, key barriers included lack of awareness (52%), time constraints (23%), and embarrassment or fear (19%). Conclusion: The study highlights a clear knowledge–practice gap, with high awareness but poor utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Targeted health education, culturally sensitive counselling, and improved accessibility—particularly through female healthcare providers and community health workers—are essential to enhance screening uptake.