<![CDATA[Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Indonesia, with early sexual debut serving as a significant risk factor. Early marriage, which remains prevalent in Indonesia, often precipitates sexual activity at a stage of biological immaturity, thereby increasing susceptibility to cellular changes in cervical tissue. Unfortunately, adolescent girls' understanding of the link between these factors remains low. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between adolescent girls' knowledge regarding early marriage and the risk of cervical cancer among female students at SMP Negeri 1 Sampanahan. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 55 respondents selected via total sampling. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using the chi-square test and Spearman's rho correlation. The findings revealed that 41.8% of respondents possessed poor knowledge regarding early marriage, while 60.0% had a low level of understanding concerning cervical cancer risks. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between the two variables (p = 0.001), with a positive correlation ranging from weak to moderate strength (rho = 0.352; p = 0.008). It can be concluded that a better understanding of early marriage among adolescent girls correlates with higher awareness of cervical cancer risks. Schools and healthcare professionals are advised to promote regular reproductive health education to bridge this knowledge gap.]]>
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