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Women's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Relating to Breast and Cervical Cancers in Rural Zimbabwe: A Cross Sectional Study in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East Province

Background: Breast and cervical cancer constitute the most common cancers among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer accounts for more than a third of all cancers among women of African descent. Cancer knowledge levels, attitudes and practices of people in different sections of society, especially in remote and disadvantaged peripheral areas, should be assessed to guide current cancer interventions. Aim: This study aimed to assess breast and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of reproductive age, in Mudzi District, Republic of Zimbabwe. The study forms the baseline for cancer intervention in this remote, rural district. Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based survey was conducted by triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A total of 409 survey household questionnaires were administered to women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in 2014. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to provide context for the survey responses. Results: The response rate was 100%. Nearly 85% of respondents had heard of cancer. About 34.2% did not know of any cervical cancer risk factors, while 51% were not familiar with the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. About 55% had not discussed cancer issues with partners in the past 12 months, and only 27.4% had discussed cancer issues with partners at all. Most of the respondents (96.2%) had never undergone cervical cancer screening. The majority of the respondents (70.8%) had never discussed breast cancer issues with community members. About 70% had never discussed cervical cancer issues with community members. Conclusion: This study revealed a lack of awareness and comprehensive knowledge about breast and cervical cancer. It also revealed low self-risk perception, low uptake of cancer early detection services and low capacity of local health institution in offering cancer services. It is recommended that the scaling-up of cancer information dissemination and early detection services must be prioritized, including training of local health institutions.