INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Tanzania, despite being preventable through screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Although national strategies exist, uptake remains low. This study explored awareness of CC screening, care, and vaccination among men and women in both urban and rural areas of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was conducted from April to May 2024. Four Focus Group Discussions with a total of 31 participants (including men and women) were conducted in both urban and rural communities. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. A semistructured guide covered CC awareness, vaccination, screening, and community engagement. Transcripts were translated, coded, and categorized. Inductive content analysis was used. The study report used Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

RESULTS: Participants showed limited knowledge of CC, its causes, and the benefits of HPV vaccination and screening. Three main categories with eight subcategories emerged: (1) Low health literacy, (2) Challenges in accessing CC prevention, and (3) Community involvement. Myths (e.g., vaccination causing infertility), healthcare system barriers, financial constraints, and stigma contributed to poor uptake. Male and opinion leader involvement was identified as crucial, but both groups lacked accurate information and were not actively promoting CC prevention.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights limited knowledge and persistent misconceptions about CC and its prevention among men and women in both urban and rural areas of Tanzania. Structural and sociocultural barriers, including low health literacy, financial constraints, gender norms, and misinformation, hinder access to screening and HPV vaccination. Engaging male partners, opinion leaders, and communities through targeted education and improved health communication is essential. These findings provide foundational knowledge to inform policy and design context-sensitive interventions to reduce the CC burden in Tanzania and similar low-resource settings.