CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS AND WILLINGNESS FOR PAP AND HPV TESTING: 
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths annually. India bears a disproportionate burden, accounting for nearly 123,000 new cases and 77,000 deaths yearly. It's a largely preventable condition and yet remains the fourth most common cancer in women globally(ranking after breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer). This can be prevented by early screening test using a simple, non-invasive, cheap outpatient method like PAP Smear. HPV testing can be included due to its high diagnostic value and strong association with cervical cancer with health education playing a pivotal role.