CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIOUR AMONG WOMEN IN SINGAPORE : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women in Singapore, and many die needlessly of it. Empirical evidence has shown the Pap smear test to be an effective tool in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. However, many women still shy away from this safe and painless screening test. It is the researcher's aim to uncover the perceptions women have towards cervical cancer and the Pap smear test, to gain an in-depth understanding of the motivational factors and barriers that affect cervical cancer screening behaviour. Their understanding of the "curability" and "prevention" of cancer was also found to be an important factor in their decision to attend Pap smear tests. The Health Belief Model first proposed by Irwin Rosenstock, was used as a framework of reference in understanding their screening behaviour. The in-depth qualitative interview was adopted to obtain information from a sample of thirty-two women regarding the women's health beliefs and attitudes. From the data collected, the main motivators and barriers to regular screening behaviour were identified. The motivating factors included the attitude towards personal responsibility, the perception of cervical cancer as a serious disease, the influence of social support, and religious values among others. The main barrier to cervical screening, however, was the lack of accurate information and proper understanding of the Pap smear test and cervical cancer.