Self reported morbidity and awareness regarding common cancers in elderly women.

A study based on 198 women above 45 years of age was undertaken using interview methods in a house to house survey, to find the self reported morbidity and awareness regarding common cancers and screening tests. In this study the most commonly reported morbidity was due to reproductive system and related problems. Among reported problems the most common was visual (66.5%) followed by joint pains(58.9%). There was a highly significant relationship between Hypertension, Diabetes and age and also highly significant relationship between education and reported morbidity like low back ache, easy fatiguability, Hypertension and Diabetes. Women in the age group (45-55years) had a significantly better awareness about common cancers. 29.7% women were aware of breast self examination (BSE) and 20.6% practicing BSE. It was also found that women belonging to nuclear families were significantly more likely to practice BSE. Two thirds of the respondents did not know about the screening test for Breast Cancer and 83.7% were unaware of the test for cervical cancer.