Knowledge, misinformation, stigma, and disclosure hesitancy among women receiving curative treatment for cervical cancer at a tertiary hospital in South Africa

Abstract

The high prevalence and burden of cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries has spurred much research into preventing and screening for the disease. However, little research has focussed on the experience of living with the disease and undergoing treatment in South Africa. Our aim was to explore knowledge, misinformation, stigma, and disclosure hesitancy among women receiving curative treatment for cervical cancer at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 women who completed curative treatment for cervical cancer at an academic hospital in South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. In this paper, we describe participants’ knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer, their experience of misinformation and stigma and hesitancy to disclose their illness to others. Participants reported little knowledge about cervical cancer. They reported many sources of misinformation, such as family members and even medical professionals, which at times contributed to delays in seeking diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, participants reported feeling stigma associated with their diagnosis. We highlight the central role that communication can play in increasing knowledge, reducing stigma and misinformation, and facilitating disclosure among women with cervical cancer. We include recommendations for health care practitioners and researchers.

Are Canadian Women Prepared for the Transition to Primary HPV Testing in Cervical Screening? A National Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs

“…However, there might also be an opportunity to foster screening engagement by promoting discussions with partners and leveraging communications with males to encourage such conversations. While endorsement of opinions from social media being important in decision-making about HPV testing was generally lower among both groups versus other social influences, higher scores among the underscreened participants highlight the importance of social media as a tool to reach these populations and the need to counteract possible online misinformation and disinformation that might discourage screening [45]. An examination of social network posts related to gynecological cancers in China by Chen et al [46] demonstrated that upwards of 30% of posts included misinformation, underlining the critical importance of identifying and countering false understandings of HPV-based screening in addition to providing accurate information.…”

Assessing the Views and Perceptions of Women of Nazareth Church Regarding Cervical Cancer: A Survey in Umlazi South Africa.

“…Correspondingly, a cross-sectional study conducted in Malawi among urban women also found low utilization of cervical cancer screening services (Kamanga et al, 2023). In some religious settings, cervical cancer may be viewed as a punishment for immoral behaviour or sexual promiscuity, leading to shame and stigma around the disease (Williams et al, 2023). Women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer may feel ashamed or guilty, making it challenging for them to seek medical help (Petersen et al, 2022).…”