Introduction: In Poland, reproductive system cancers are an important medical and social problem. Risky sexual behaviours such as early age of sexual initiation, or a large number of sexual partners increase the risk of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of women about sexual risk factors for cervical cancer.
Materials and methods: The study included 200 women from the cities of Lublin and Radom, and the village of Jabłonna. Respondents completed a diagnostic survey questionnaire specially developed for the purpose of this study. The results were statistically analysed.
Results: statistically signiicant relationship was found between the knowledge of respondents about early start of sexual intercourse as a risk factor for cervical cancer and their marital status (p = 0.003), place of residence (p = 0.01) and type of professional activity (p = 0.03). There was also a statistically signiicant relationship between the knowledge of the surveyed women on a large number of sexual partners as a risk factor for cervical cancer and age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.03), and the type of professional activity.
Conclusions: Women know that the early age of sexual initiation and a large number of sexual partners is a risk factor for cervical cancer. On the other hand, they are not aware of the impact of a large number of sexual partners of their current partner on the risk of cervical cancer. There is a need to educate women about the impact of risky sexual behaviour on the potential development of cervical cancer.