Table 2 Cervical cancer risk factor and symptoms knowledge (n = 876)

Risk factors for cervical cancer

  Having many sexual partners

132

15.1

  Smoking

102

11.6

  Not going for regular smear tests

89

10.2

  Unprotected sex

57

6.5

  Infection, STI/STD or virus

48

5.5

  Starting to have sex at a young age

44

5.0

  Infection with Human papillomavirus

38

4.3

  Long term use of the contraceptive pill

17

1.9

  Having many children

5

0.6

  Having a weakened immune system

3

0.3

Symptoms of cervical cancer

  Vaginal bleeding between periods

282

32.2

  Abnormal discharge

219

25.0

  Persistent pelvic/abdominal pain

145

16.6

  Pain/discomfort during sex

78

8.9

  Vaginal bleeding during/after sex

56

6.4

  Persistant lower back pain

13

1.5

  Blood in stool/urine

13

1.5

  Unexplained weight loss

12

1.4

  Heavier/longer periods than normal

6

0.7

  Vaginal bleeding after the menopause

4

0.5