Introduction: Cervical cancer is the cancer arising from cervix and is the most common gynecological cancer in women. It’s the most common cause of cancer death in developing countries, whereas in developed countries it is markedly reduced as a result of massive screening and early identification. The present study aims at exploring the awareness and risk factors of cervical cancer among rural women in the reproductive age group.

Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among hundred women of the age group 15 to 49 years in selected villages of district Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, India, selected by one stage clustering of accessible villages. The data was collected by semi-structured interview.

Result: Among the 100 women who participated in the study only 34 had heard of the term cervical cancer and five had heard regarding the screening of cervical cancer. The level of awareness regarding cervical cancer and its prevention was good in three, average in 66 and poor in 31 women. The mean awareness score was 10.43+/- 4.13 (max score 24). The risk factors of cervical cancer common among the sample are, no screening (100), diet low in fruits and vegetables (52), overweight (40), history of more than two full term pregnancy (30), low income (19), pregnancy before 19 years (9), history of genital infection (9), sexual activity before 17 years (5), use of oral contraceptives for more than one year (4), poor genital hygiene (2), and smoking (1).

Discussion: The findings of the study reveal that the awareness of cervical cancer is inadequate in rural women and many known risk factors of cervical cancer prevalent among them. The findings of the study indicate the need for creating awareness regarding cervical cancer and promoting screening and health promotion activities among the women.

Keywords: Cervix; Cervical Cancer.