Knowledge of breast and cervical cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to seek treatment among urban underserved women

A significant number of Malaysian women are diagnosed with breast and cervical cancers at advanced stages, highlighting the need for early symptom recognition to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality. This study aimed to assess knowledge of breast and cervical cancer symptoms among underserved women and identify the barriers preventing them from seeking treatment. A cross-sectional survey involving 401 women at a public health clinic was conducted using validated questionnaires and convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Over half of the women demonstrated poor knowledge of both breast (55 percent) and cervical (69 percent) cancer symptoms, while only a smaller proportion exhibited good knowledge, 12 percent for breast cancer and 6 percent for cervical symptoms, respectively. Commonly recognized symptoms included a "lump or thickening in the breast' and 'persistent, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge." The most reported barrier to seeking treatment was fear of diagnosis, reported by 49 percent of women. Logistic regression identified being married and having higher level of education were significantly associated with greater perceived barriers to seeking treatment. The research highlights the need for personalized health education to address individual concerns and barriers, ensuring content is relevant and effective.