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Galica J, Saunders S, Pan Z, Silva A, Ling HK. What do cancer survivors believe caused their cancer? A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:875-886. [PMID: 38282044 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given that risk reduction and healthy lifestyles can prevent 4 in 10 cancers, it is important to understand what survivors believe caused their cancer to inform educational initiatives. METHODS In this secondary analysis, we analyzed cancer survivor responses on the Causes Subscale of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, which lists 18 possible causes of illness and a free text question. We used descriptive statistics to determine cancer survivors' agreement with the listed causes and conducted separate partial proportional odds models for the top three causes to examine their associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Content analysis was used to examine free text responses. RESULTS Of the 1,001 participants, most identified as Caucasian (n = 764, 77%), female (n = 845, 85%), and were diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 656, 66%). The most commonly believed causes of cancer were: stress or worry (n = 498, 51%), pollution in the environment (n = 471, 48%), and chance or bad luck (n = 412, 42%). The associations of sociodemographic and clinical variables varied across the models. Free text responses indicated that hereditary and genetic causes (n = 223, 22.3%) followed by trauma and stress (n = 218, 21.8%) and bad luck or chance (n = 79, 7.9%) were the most important causes of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Study results illuminate cancer survivors' beliefs about varying causes of their cancer diagnosis and identify characteristics of survivors who are more likely to believe certain factors caused their cancer. Results can be used to plan cancer education and risk-reduction campaigns and highlight for whom such initiatives would be most suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Galica
- Queen's University School of Nursing, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | | | - Ziwei Pan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Queen's University, 48 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Amina Silva
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Hok Kan Ling
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Queen's University, 48 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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Elshami M, Albandak M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ayyad M, Dwikat MF, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Ayyash Qabaja Y, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Differences in colorectal cancer awareness between screening eligible vs. ineligible Palestinians: a national cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2024:ckae083. [PMID: 38745392 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness between screening-eligible and ineligible individuals in Palestine. METHODS Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit Palestinian adults from diverse settings, including hospitals, primary healthcare centers and public spaces across 11 governorates. The evaluation of CRC awareness in terms of signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths was conducted using Arabic-translated, modified versions of the validated instruments, the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale. RESULTS The final analysis included 2698 participants, with 2158 (80.9%) eligible for CRC screening and 540 (19.1%) ineligible for it. The most recognized CRC sign/symptom was 'lump in the abdomen' in both screening-eligible (n = 386, 71.5%) and ineligible (n = 1582, 73.3%) groups. 'Lack of physical activity' was the most recognized risk factor in both groups (eligible: n = 451, 83.5%; ineligible: n = 1766, 81.8%). The most reported causation myth in both groups was 'having a physical trauma' (eligible: n = 340, 63.0%; ineligible: n = 1353, 62.7%). In the screening-eligible group, only 210 participants (38.9%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, 213 participants (39.4%) showed high awareness of CRC risk factors and only 46 participants (8.5%) displayed high awareness of CRC causation myths. There were no significant associations between being eligible for screening colonoscopy and the awareness levels of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths. CONCLUSION Overall, awareness levels of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors and causation myths were notably low among screening-eligible participants. There were no differences in awareness levels between individuals eligible for colonoscopy and those who were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Maram Albandak
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammad F Dwikat
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Shoruq A Naji
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Balqees M Mohamad
- Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), Hebron, Palestine
| | - Wejdan S Isleem
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Fatma K Hamdan
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Raneen R Sweity
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Remah T Jneed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Khayria A Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammed M Hmaid
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Iyas I Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Marah N Alarda
- Faculty of Dentistry, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | | | - Omar A Aljbour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ali Y Alnaga
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ranin M Abu Nemer
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | - Sondos M Skaik
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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3
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Elshami M, Jaber I, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Jabr H, Ubaiat S, Tuffaha A, Khader S, Khraishi R, Arafeh ZA, Al-Madhoun S, Alqattaa A, Yaseen A, El Hadi AA, Barhoush O, Hijazy M, Eleyan T, Alser A, Hziema AA, Shatat A, Almakhtoob F, Mohamad B, Farhat W, Abuamra Y, Mousa H, Adawi R, Musallam A, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Common misconceptions and myths about ovarian cancer causation: a national cross-sectional study from palestine. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1027. [PMID: 38609950 PMCID: PMC11015600 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18437-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's inability to recognize ovarian cancer (OC) causation myths to be incorrect may lead to behavioral changes that could distract them from actual risk factors and impact their treatment decision making. This study examined Palestinian women's recognition of OC mythical causes, and explored factors associated with good recognition. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was conducted. Adult Palestinian women were recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 governorates. The Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was modified and utilized for data collection. Awareness level was determined based on the number of myths around OC causation recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS A total of 5618 participants agreed and completed the questionnaire out of 6095 approached (response rate = 92.1%), and 5411 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. The most recognized food-related myth was 'drinking from plastic bottles' (n = 1370, 25.3%) followed by 'eating burnt food' (n = 1298, 24.0%). The least recognized food-related myth was 'eating food containing additives' (n = 611, 11.3%). The most recognized food-unrelated myth was 'having a physical trauma' (n = 2899, 53.6%), whereas the least recognized was 'using mobile phones' (n = 1347, 24.9%). Only 273 participants (5.1%) had good awareness of OC causation myths as incorrect. Earning higher monthly incomes as well as visiting governmental healthcare facilities were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of exhibiting good awareness. CONCLUSION The overall recognition of OC causation myths was low. Addressing mythical beliefs should be included in OC prevention strategies and public health interventions to improve women's understanding of OC risk factors versus mythical causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside 7100, 44106, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Inas Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alser
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | - Sara Ubaiat
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Bethlehem, Palestine
| | | | - Salma Khader
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Reem Khraishi
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | | | - Aya Alqattaa
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Areej Yaseen
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ola Barhoush
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Maysun Hijazy
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Tamara Eleyan
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Amal Abu Hziema
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Amany Shatat
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Balqees Mohamad
- Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), Hebron, Palestine
| | - Walaa Farhat
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Jenin, Palestine
| | - Yasmeen Abuamra
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Hanaa Mousa
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Reem Adawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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4
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Elshami M, Albandak M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ayyad M, Dwikat MF, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Screening Perspectives: The Role of Colorectal Cancer Awareness in Shaping Attitudes Toward Colonoscopy in Palestine. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300470. [PMID: 38386956 PMCID: PMC10898669 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and its influence on attitudes toward colonoscopy in Palestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Convenience sampling was used to recruit Palestinian adults from hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces across 11 governorates. To evaluate the awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and mythical causes, the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were used after translation into Arabic. For each correctly recognized item, one point was given. The total awareness score of each domain was calculated and categorized into tertiles; the top tertile was considered high awareness, and the other two tertiles were considered low awareness. RESULTS A total of 4,623 questionnaires were included. Only 1,849 participants (40.0%) exhibited high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms. High awareness of CRC symptoms was associated with higher likelihood of showing positive attitudes toward colonoscopy (odds ratio [OR], 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37]). A total of 1,840 participants (38.9%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants with high awareness of CRC risk factors were more likely to display positive attitudes toward colonoscopy (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37]). Only 219 participants (4.7%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC causation myths. There was no association between awareness of CRC causation myths and positive attitudes toward colonoscopy. CONCLUSION Awareness of CRC was poor with less than half of the study participants demonstrating high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and risk factors, and a minority (<5%) displaying high awareness of CRC causation myths. High awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and risk factors was associated with greater likelihood of demonstrating positive attitudes toward colonoscopy. Educational initiatives are needed to address knowledge gaps and dispel misconceptions surrounding CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Maram Albandak
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Shoruq A. Naji
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Wejdan S. Isleem
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Fatma K. Hamdan
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Remah T. Jneed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Khayria A. Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Iyas I. Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Marah N. Alarda
- Faculty of Dentistry, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | | | - Omar A. Aljbour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ali Y. Alnaga
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ranin M. Abu Nemer
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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5
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Elshami M, Albandak M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ayyad M, Dwikat MF, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Ayyash Qabaja Y, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Differences in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Between Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians: A National Cross-Sectional Study From Palestine. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300400. [PMID: 38386954 PMCID: PMC10898678 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Palestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS The validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were translated into Arabic and used to assess awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and mythical causes. The total awareness score of each domain was calculated and categorized into tertiles; the top tertile was considered as good awareness. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between being a vegetarian and displaying good awareness in each domain. RESULTS This study included 4,623 participants: 560 vegetarians (12.1%) and 4,063 nonvegetarians (87.9%). Lump in the abdomen was the most recognized CRC sign/symptom among both nonvegetarians (n = 2,969, 73.1%) and vegetarians (n = 452, 80.7%). Vegetarians were less likely than nonvegetarians to display good awareness of CRC signs/symptoms (odds ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.72]). Lack of physical activity was the most identified modifiable CRC risk factor in both nonvegetarians (n = 3,368, 82.9%) and vegetarians (n = 478, 85.4%). Similarly, having a bowel disease was the most identified nonmodifiable risk factor among both nonvegetarians (n = 2,889, 71.1%) and vegetarians (n = 431, 77.0%). There were no associated differences between both groups in the awareness levels of CRC risk factors. The most recognized food-related CRC causation myth in nonvegetarians was drinking from plastic bottles (n = 1,023, 25.2%), whereas it was eating burnt food in vegetarians (n = 176, 31.4%). Having a physical trauma was the most recognized food-unrelated myth in both nonvegetarians (n = 2,356, 58.0%) and vegetarians (n = 396, 70.7%). There were no associated differences in the awareness of CRC causation myths between both groups. CONCLUSION Awareness of CRC was notably low in both Palestinian vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Particularly, vegetarians demonstrated lower awareness of CRC signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Maram Albandak
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mohammad F Dwikat
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Shoruq A Naji
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Balqees M Mohamad
- Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), Hebron, Palestine
| | - Wejdan S Isleem
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Fatma K Hamdan
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Raneen R Sweity
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Remah T Jneed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Khayria A Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammed M Hmaid
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Iyas I Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Marah N Alarda
- Faculty of Dentistry, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | | | - Omar A Aljbour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ali Y Alnaga
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ranin M Abu Nemer
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
| | | | - Sondos M Skaik
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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E R, J T, Ek Q, Ss F, E H, G P, Ce P. Canadians' knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:329. [PMID: 38291409 PMCID: PMC10829248 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17832-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many untrue statements about cancer prevention and risks are circulating. The objective of this study was to assess Canadians' awareness of known cancer risk factors and cancer myths (untruths or statements that are not completely true), and to explore how awareness may vary by sociodemographic and cognitive factors. METHODS Cancer myths were identified by conducting scans of published, grey literature, and social media. Intuitive-analytic thinking disposition scores included were actively open- and close-minded thinking, as well as preference for intuitive and effortful thinking. A survey was administered online to participants aged 18 years and older through Prolific. Results were summarized descriptively and analyzed using chi-square tests, as well as Spearman rank and Pearson correlations. RESULTS Responses from 734 Canadians were received. Participants were better at identifying known cancer risk factors (70% of known risks) compared to cancer myths (49%). Bivariate analyses showed differential awareness of known cancer risk factors (p < 0.05) by population density and income, cancer myths by province, and for both by ethnicity, age, and all thinking disposition scores. Active open-minded thinking and preference for effortful thinking were associated with greater discernment. Tobacco-related risk factors were well-identified (> 90% correctly identified), but recognition of other known risk factors was poor (as low as 23% for low vegetable and fruit intake). Mythical cancer risk factors with high support were consuming additives (61%), feeling stressed (52%), and consuming artificial sweeteners (49%). High uncertainty of causation was observed for glyphosate (66% neither agreed or disagreed). For factors that reduce cancer risk, reasonable awareness was observed for HPV vaccination (60%), but there was a high prevalence in cancer myths, particularly that consuming antioxidants (65%) and organic foods (45%) are protective, and some uncertainty whether drinking red wine (41%), consuming vitamins (32%), and smoking cannabis (30%) reduces cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS While Canadians were able to identify tobacco-related cancer risk factors, many myths were believed and numerous risk factors were not recognized. Cancer myths can be harmful in themselves and can detract the public's attention from and action on established risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rydz E
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Telfer J
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Quinn Ek
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Fazel Ss
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Holmes E
- Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pennycook G
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Peters Ce
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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7
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Elshami M, Abukmail H, Thalji M, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Radaydeh A, Alfuqaha A, Khader S, Khatib L, Fannoun N, Ahmad B, Kassab L, Khrishi H, Elhussaini D, Abed N, Nammari A, Abdallah T, Alqudwa Z, Idais S, Tanbouz G, Hajajreh M, Selmiyh HA, Abo-Hajouj Z, Hebi H, Zamel M, Skaik RN, Hammoud L, Rjoub S, Ayesh H, Rjoub T, Zakout R, Alser A, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Myths and common misbeliefs about cervical cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:189. [PMID: 38229049 PMCID: PMC10790379 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) myths and beliefs can negatively impact women's preventive behaviors, including vaccination against human papillomavirus and having regular screening tests. This study aimed to examine awareness of Palestinian women about myths related to CC causation and investigated factors associated with good awareness. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit adult Palestinian women from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 Palestinian governorates. A translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CC myths around CC causation recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS A total of 7058 questionnaires were included. Myths unrelated to food were more commonly recognized as incorrect compared to those related to food. The most recognized food-unrelated myth was 'having a physical trauma' (n = 3714, 52.6%), whereas the least recognized was 'using mobile phones' (n = 2238, 31.7%). The most recognized food-related myth was 'drinking from plastic bottles' (n = 2708, 38.4%), whereas the least recognized was 'eating food containing additives' (n = 1118, 15.8%). Only 575 participants (8.1%) displayed good awareness and promptly recognized at least 10 out of 13 myths around CC causation as incorrect. Factors associated with lower likelihood of displaying good awareness of myths around CC causation included living in the West Bank and Jerusalem, being married, widowed or divorced, knowing someone with cancer, and visiting hospitals or primary healthcare centers. CONCLUSIONS A very small proportion of Palestinian women recognized 10 or more myths around CC causes as incorrect. Initiatives addressing CC myths are needed in the Palestinian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside 7100, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Hanan Abukmail
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- International Medical Corps, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mariam Thalji
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | - Afnan Radaydeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Alaa Alfuqaha
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Salma Khader
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Lana Khatib
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nour Fannoun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Bisan Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Hiba Khrishi
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Deniz Elhussaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Nour Abed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Aya Nammari
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Zaina Alqudwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Alazhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Shahd Idais
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Hebron Governmental Hospital, Hebron, Palestine
| | - Ghaid Tanbouz
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Haya Hebi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Manar Zamel
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Lama Hammoud
- Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Saba Rjoub
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Hadeel Ayesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Toqa Rjoub
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Rawan Zakout
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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8
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Elshami M, Naji SA, Dwikat MF, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Ayyad M, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Albandak ME, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Bottcher B, Abu-El-Noor N. Myths and Common Misbeliefs About Colorectal Cancer Causation in Palestine: A National Cross-Sectional Study. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300295. [PMID: 38166235 PMCID: PMC10803036 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore public awareness of myths around colorectal cancer (CRC) causation in Palestine and to examine factors associated with good awareness. MATERIALS AND METHODS Convenience sampling was used to recruit adult Palestinians from governmental hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces. Recognizing 13 myths around CRC causation was assessed using a translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CRC mythical causes recognized: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and displaying good awareness. It adjusted for age group, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, residence, marital status, having chronic diseases, being a vegetarian, knowing someone with cancer, and site of data collection. RESULTS Of 5,254 participants approached, 4,877 agreed to participate (response rate, 92.3%). A total of 4,623 questionnaires were included in the final analysis: 2,700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ) and 1,923 from the Gaza Strip. Only 219 participants (4.7%) demonstrated good awareness of myths around CRC causation. WBJ participants were twice more likely than those from the Gaza Strip to display good recognition (5.9% v 3.1%). Male sex, living in the WBJ, and visiting hospitals were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Conversely, knowing someone with cancer was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Having a physical trauma was the most recognized CRC causation myth (n = 2,752, 59.5%), whereas eating food containing additives was the least (n = 456, 9.8%). CONCLUSION Only 4.7% displayed good ability to recognize myths around CRC causation. Future educational interventions are needed to help the public distinguish the evidence-based versus mythical causes of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Khayria Ali Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | | | - Iyas Imad Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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9
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Elshami M, Ismail IO, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ghithan RJ, Usrof FD, Qawasmi MAM, Okshiya HM, Shurrab NRS, Mahfouz II, Fannon AA, Hawa MRM, Giacaman N, Ahmaro M, Zaatreh RK, AbuKhalil WA, Melhim NK, Madbouh RJ, Hziema HJA, Lahlooh RAA, Ubaiat SN, Jaffal NA, Alawna RK, Abed SN, Abuzahra BNA, Kwaik AJA, Dodin MH, Taha RO, Alashqar DM, Mobarak RAAF, Smerat T, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2370. [PMID: 38031084 PMCID: PMC10688078 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discussion about breast cancer (BC) causation continues to be surrounded by a number of myths and misbeliefs. If efforts are misdirected towards reducing risk from false mythical causes, individuals might be less likely to consider and adopt risk-reducing behaviors for evidence-based BC causes. This national study aimed to assess the awareness of BC causation myths and misbeliefs among Palestinian women, and examine the factors associated with having good awareness. METHODS This national cross-sectional study recruited adult women from government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. The level of awareness of BC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-5), fair (6-10), or good (11-15). RESULTS A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. Only 269 participants (5.1%) demonstrated good awareness (i.e., recognizing more than 10 out of 15 BC mythical causes). There were no notable differences in displaying good awareness between the main areas of Palestine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Jerusalem (5.1% vs. 5.1%). Having chronic disease as well as visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Myths related to food were less frequently recognized as incorrect than food-unrelated myths. 'Eating burnt food' was the most recognized food-related myth (n = 1414, 26.9%), while 'eating food containing additives' was the least recognized (n = 599, 11.4%). 'Having a physical trauma' was the most recognized food-unrelated myth (n = 2795, 53.2%), whereas the least recognized was 'wearing tight bra' (n = 1018, 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS A very small proportion of Palestinian women could recognize 10 or more myths around BC causation. There is a substantial need to include clear information about BC causation in future educational interventions besides focusing on BC screening, signs and symptoms, and risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | - Faten Darwish Usrof
- Department of a Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza City, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Manar Ahmaro
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nour Ali Jaffal
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tasneem Smerat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, Palestine
| | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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10
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Elshami M, Mansour A, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Abukmail H, Shurrab H, Qassem S, Usrof FD, Alruzayqat M, Aqel W, Nairoukh R, Kittaneh R, Sawafta N, Habes YMN, Ghanim O, Aabed WA, Omar O, Daraghma M, Aljbour J, Elian RE, Zuhour A, Habes H, Al-Dadah M, Bottcher B, Abu-El-Noor N. Myths and Misconceptions Around Lung Cancer Causation in Palestine: Is It Time to Intervene? JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300184. [PMID: 38085044 PMCID: PMC10730040 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Having an accurate knowledge of what truly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer (LC) may help people make better decisions about lifestyle changes that could potentially lower their risk. This study assessed current beliefs in LC causation myths among Palestinians and explored factors associated with displaying good recognition of such myths. METHODS A national cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to March 2020. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used for data collection. The awareness level of LC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). RESULTS A total of 4,817 participants completed the questionnaire of 5,174 approached (response rate = 93.1%). In total, 4,762 participants were included in the final analysis. Myths unrelated to food were more commonly recognized than food-related myths. The food-related myth most frequently recognized was eating burnt food (n = 1,427; 30.0%) followed by drinking from plastic bottles (n = 1,389; 29.2%). The food-related myth least commonly recognized was eating food containing additives (n = 737; 15.5%). The most frequently recognized myth unrelated to food was having a physical trauma (n = 2,903; 61%), whereas the least was using cleaning products (n = 1,140; 23.9%). Only 287 participants (6%) displayed good awareness. Having a chronic disease and knowing someone with cancer were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Conversely, participants who were smoking cigarettes/shisha and those recruited from hospitals had an associated increase in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. CONCLUSION This study found very poor awareness of LC causation myths, with only 6% recognizing ≥10 myths. Initiatives addressing LC mythical causes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ahmad Mansour
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Ministry of Health, West Bank, Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Mohammed Alser
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Hanan Abukmail
- International Medical Corps, Gaza, Palestine
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hanan Shurrab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Shahd Qassem
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Faten Darwish Usrof
- Department of a Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza City, Palestine
| | | | - Wafa Aqel
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Roba Nairoukh
- Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Rahaf Kittaneh
- Faculty of Nursing, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nawras Sawafta
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Obaida Ghanim
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Ola Omar
- Faculty of Medicine, Al Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Motaz Daraghma
- Faculty of Medicine, Al Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Jumana Aljbour
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Razan E.M. Elian
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Areen Zuhour
- Faculty of Medicine, Al Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Haneen Habes
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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11
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Usher-Smith JA, Shah VP, Nahreen S, Fairey M, Betts K, Ide-Walters C. Evaluation of the reach and impact of a UK campaign highlighting obesity as a cause of cancer among the general public and Members of Parliament. Public Health 2023; 219:131-138. [PMID: 37167643 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 'Overweight and obesity' is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. In 2018, Cancer Research UK launched an awareness raising campaign about the link between overweight and obesity and cancer risk. This study aimed to evaluate the reach and impact of the campaign. STUDY DESIGN This study was a repeated cross-sectional online survey. METHODS The campaign consisted of six elements including the main message that 'Obesity is a cause of cancer'. UK adults and Members of Parliament (MPs) were surveyed before the campaign (W1; n = 2124 and n = 151), 1 month (W2; n = 2050 and n = 151) and 3 months after the campaign (W3; n = 2059 and MPs not surveyed). Outcome measures were campaign reach, awareness of overweight and obesity as risk factors for cancer, attitudes towards individuals who are overweight or obese, support for policies to reduce obesity and reactions to the campaign. RESULTS Overall, 76.2% of MPs and just under half of the public (47.5% in W2 and 36.8% in W3) reported having seen the campaign. Unprompted awareness of obesity as a risk factor increased among the public from 17.1% at W1 to 43.3% in W2 (odds ratio 3.71, 95% confidence interval 3.18-4.33) and 30.3% in W3 (odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.80-2.47). A similar pattern was seen for prompted awareness and among MPs. There were no consistent changes in attitudes towards overweight individuals or support for policies to reduce obesity. CONCLUSIONS This evaluation suggests that the campaign achieved the primary objective of increasing awareness of the link between obesity and cancer without increasing negative attitudes towards individuals who are overweight or obese.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Usher-Smith
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK.
| | - V P Shah
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK
| | - S Nahreen
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrookes' Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - M Fairey
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrookes' Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - K Betts
- Cancer Research UK, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK
| | - C Ide-Walters
- Cancer Research UK, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK
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12
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Shoukat Z, Javed Shah A. Breast Cancer Awareness and Associated Factors among Women in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:1561-1570. [PMID: 37247275 PMCID: PMC10495904 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.5.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is a highly prevalent cancer in females worldwide, with new cases around one million every year. In Pakistan, cancer of breast is the most common carcinoma in diagnosis, with one in nine females. Due to high burden of breast cancer in Pakistan, presented work purposes to investigate knowledge and awareness of breast carcinoma, its symptoms, and risk factors among Pakistani women, which play an important part in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS A sample of 1000 females were approached generally from universities, hospitals, public places, local markets, rural areas and other cities for on-site data collection through face-to-face interviews and online data collection through telephonic interviews in Pakistan using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM). By using SPSS V. 25.0, the information provided by the individuals first changed in awareness scores and was then analyzed. RESULTS The study displayed, that mainstream participants lacked knowledge of breast carcinoma (63.2%) and the importance of its screening tools (64.7% and 83.2% lacked knowledge of mammography and BRCA tests respectively) for early detection. Almost 45% of respondents never noticed a change in their breasts. Most participants were unaware about breast cancer development is age-related and lifetime risk. Slightly more than 50% of the participants of the study were not knowledgeable regarding modifiable risk factors of breast carcinoma. A commonly known symptom was Breast lump by 53% of the respondents. Association was determined between demographic variables and breast cancer knowledge scores. Only 37.4% of respondents were found to be knowledgeable regarding breast cancer. CONCLUSION BCAM is a productive instrument to assess awareness of breast carcinoma in females. The study indicated awareness of breast cancer is suboptimal in the population of Pakistan. Efforts should be made by public awareness campaigns and broadcasting of information about breast cancer and health education to increase awareness of risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuniara Shoukat
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ali Javed Shah
- Institute of Business Administration, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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13
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Barello S, Acampora M, Grimaldi L, Maccacaro C, Dell'Acqua S, Spina B, Giangreco D. "Health without Borders": Early Findings and Lessons Learned from a Health Promotion Program for Ethnic Minorities Living in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095646. [PMID: 37174165 PMCID: PMC10178414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In multicultural contexts, health promotion can be challenging due to people's differences in beliefs, values, and practices regarding health and healthcare. Using the prototypical case scenario offered by the "Health without Borders" program, this study was generally aimed at summarizing the lessons learned and suggesting implications that are hopefully relevant to future culturally competent health promotion programs. This exploratory study used in-depth interviews, focus groups, and document analyses as primary methodological tools to gather data. A qualitative approach was chosen because it has the potential to explore, in depth, the main characteristics (values, operational domains, and action strategies) behind this prototypical case. The study findings suggest that the multicultural health promotion program under study is characterized by four main intertwined core values (i.e., empowerment; peer education; social embeddedness; tailor-made). In turn, these values are expressed in the ten main operational domains (i.e., proactive approach to health promotion; fostering interculturality in health promotion; fostering multidisciplinarity in health promotion; measuring the impact of initiatives; identifying, training, and activating key community members in the role of peer educators; promoting community engagement; fostering a "domino effect"; building institutional links with the organization of the territory; continuous training of the professionals involved in the initiatives; flexibility and a constant focus on projects' continuous redesign) that orient specific strategies of action. This program is based on a tailor-made principle for intervention design and delivery. This feature allows intervention providers to flexibly incorporate the target population's values in delivering health promotion activities. Therefore, the value of this prototypical case lies in the design of "adjustable" initiatives that fit the "program-as-designed" with the cultural characteristics of target populations involved in the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barello
- EngageMinds HUB-Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano and Cremona, L.Go Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Acampora
- EngageMinds HUB-Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano and Cremona, L.Go Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Grimaldi
- Italian League Against Cancer, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Maccacaro
- Italian League Against Cancer, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Dell'Acqua
- EngageMinds HUB-Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano and Cremona, L.Go Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Spina
- Italian League Against Cancer, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Giangreco
- Italian League Against Cancer, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
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14
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Akakpo MG, Owusu Roberts E, Annobil R, Aboagye AS. Perceptions about the causes and treatment of cancer - A cross-sectional survey of university students in Ghana. Prev Med Rep 2023; 32:102160. [PMID: 36891543 PMCID: PMC9986619 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer awareness campaigns in Ghana and many parts of the world have gathered pace in recent years. Despite this encouraging trend, there has been no significant reduction in stigma in Ghana. This study investigated the role of beliefs about the causes of cancer in stigmatization and perceptions about treatment. Using standardized scales deployed in a survey, the study measured student perceptions about the causes of cancer, stigmatization, and opinion about the possibility of treating cancer. 225 students were sampled from two universities in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. The study used multiple linear regression and a logistic regression to answer two research questions. These asked whether beliefs in the mythical causes of cancer are associated with stigma towards cancer and whether this stigma is associated with the belief that cancer cannot be treated. The findings point to the association between perceived causes of cancer and stigma. Stigmatization was associated with the belief that cancer could not be treated. The findings imply that the perceived causes of cancer are associated with stigma and should thus be addressed by campaigners. Educating the public about the causes of cancer and addressing some of the myths can help reduce stigma and correct misperceptions about treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gameli Akakpo
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Owusu Roberts
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rachel Annobil
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Serwaah Aboagye
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
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15
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Sauchelli S, Pickles T, Voinescu A, Choi H, Sherlock B, Zhang J, Colyer S, Grant S, Sundari S, Lasseter G. Public attitudes towards the use of novel technologies in their future healthcare: a UK survey. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36814262 PMCID: PMC9944774 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovation in healthcare technologies can result in more convenient and effective treatment that is less costly, but a persistent challenge to widespread adoption in health and social care is end user acceptability. The purpose of this study was to capture UK public opinions and attitudes to novel healthcare technologies (NHTs), and to better understand the factors that contribute to acceptance and future use. METHODS An online survey was distributed to the UK public between April and May 2020. Respondents received brief information about four novel healthcare technologies (NHTs) in development: a laser-based tool for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, a virtual reality tool to support diabetes self-management, a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor using microwave signals, a mobile app for patient reported monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis. They were queried on their general familiarity and attitudes to technology, and their willingness to accept each NHT in their future care. Responses were analysed using summary statistics and content analysis. RESULTS Knowledge about NHTs was diverse, with respondents being more aware about the health applications of mobile apps (66%), followed by laser-based technology (63.8%), microwave signalling (28%), and virtual reality (18.3%). Increasing age and the presence of a self-reported medical condition favoured acceptability for some NHTs, whereas self-reported understanding of how the NHT works resulted in elevated acceptance scores across all NHTs presented. Common contributors to hesitancy were safety and risks from use. Respondents wanted more information and evidence to help inform their decisions, ideally provided verbally by a general practitioner or health professional. Other concerns, such as privacy, were NHT-specific but equally important in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Early insight into the knowledge and preconceptions of the public about NHTs in development can assist their design and prospectively mitigate obstacles to acceptance and adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sauchelli
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Tim Pickles
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alexandra Voinescu
- grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Heungjae Choi
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ben Sherlock
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- grid.8356.80000 0001 0942 6946Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Steffi Colyer
- grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Sabrina Grant
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sethu Sundari
- grid.189530.60000 0001 0679 8269School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Gemma Lasseter
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol in Collaboration with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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16
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Paytubi S, Benavente Y, Montoliu A, Binefa G, Brotons M, Ibáñez R, Ochoa C, Peremiquel-Trillas P, Serrano B, Travier N, Alemany L, Costas L. Everything causes cancer? Beliefs and attitudes towards cancer prevention among anti-vaxxers, flat earthers, and reptilian conspiracists: online cross sectional survey. BMJ 2022; 379:e072561. [PMID: 36543351 PMCID: PMC9768817 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, using an online non-probability sample, the beliefs about and attitudes towards cancer prevention of people professing vaccination scepticism or conspiracy theories. DESIGN Cross sectional survey. SETTING Data collected mainly from ForoCoches (a well known Spanish forum) and other platforms, including Reddit (English), 4Chan (English), HispaChan (Spanish), and a Spanish language website for cancer prevention (mejorsincancer.org) from January to March 2022. PARTICIPANTS Among 1494 responders, 209 were unvaccinated against covid-19, 112 preferred alternative rather than conventional medicine, and 62 reported flat earth or reptilian beliefs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cancer beliefs assessed using the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) and Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale (CAM-MYCS) (both validated tools). RESULTS Awareness of the actual causes of cancer was greater (median CAM score 63.6%) than that of mythical causes (41.7%). The most endorsed mythical causes of cancer were eating food containing additives or sweeteners, feeling stressed, and eating genetically modified food. Awareness of the actual and mythical causes of cancer among the unvaccinated, alternative medicine, and conspiracy groups was lower than among their counterparts. A median of 54.5% of the actual causes was accurately identified among each of the unvaccinated, alternative medicine, and conspiracy groups, and a median of 63.6% was identified in each of the three corresponding counterparts (P=0.13, 0.04, and 0.003, respectively). For mythical causes, medians of 25.0%, 16.7%, and 16.7% were accurately identified in the unvaccinated, alternative medicine, and conspiracy groups, respectively; a median of 41.7% was identified in each of the three corresponding counterparts (P<0.001 in adjusted models for all comparisons). In total, 673 (45.0%) participants agreed with the statement "It seems like everything causes cancer." No significant differences were observed among the unvaccinated (44.0%), conspiracist (41.9%), or alternative medicine groups (35.7%), compared with their counterparts (45.2%, 45.7%, and 45.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the participants agreed that "It seems like everything causes cancer," which highlights the difficulty that society encounters in differentiating actual and mythical causes owing to mass information. People who believed in conspiracies, rejected the covid-19 vaccine, or preferred alternative medicine were more likely to endorse the mythical causes of cancer than their counterparts but were less likely to endorse the actual causes of cancer. These results suggest a direct connection between digital misinformation and consequent erroneous health decisions, which may represent a further preventable fraction of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Paytubi
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Benavente
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Montoliu
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Binefa
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Brotons
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Ibáñez
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian Ochoa
- eHealth ICOnnecta't and Psycho-oncology Services, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Peremiquel-Trillas
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Serrano
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Noémie Travier
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Alemany
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Costas
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Feletto E, Kohar A, Mizrahi D, Grogan P, Steinberg J, Hughes C, Watson WL, Canfell K, Yu XQ. An ecological study of obesity-related cancer incidence trends in Australia from 1983 to 2017. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 29:100575. [PMID: 36106135 PMCID: PMC9465341 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity is a growing public health issue as it contributes to the future burden of obesity-related diseases, including cancer, especially in high-income countries. In Australia, 4.3% of all cancers diagnosed in 2013 were attributable to overweight and obesity. Our aim was to examine Australian age-specific incidence trends over the last 35 years for obesity-related cancers based on expert review (colorectal, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, breast in postmenopausal women, uterine, ovary, kidney, thyroid, and multiple myeloma) individually and pooled. METHODS Australian incidence data for 10 obesity-related cancers among people aged 25-84 years, diagnosed from 1983 to 2017, were obtained from the Australian Cancer Database. We used age-period-cohort modelling and joinpoint analysis to assess trends, estimating incidence rate ratios (IRR) by birth-cohort for each individual cancer and pooled, and the annual percentage change. The analyses were also conducted for non-obesity-related cancers over the same period. FINDINGS The total number of cancers where some proportion is obesity-related, diagnosed from 1983-2017, was 1,005,933. This grouping was 34.7% of cancers diagnosed. The IRR of obesity-related cancers increased from 0.77 (95% CI 0.73, 0.81) for the 1903 birth-cohort to 2.95 (95% CI 2.58, 3.38) for the recent 1988 cohort relative to the 1943 cohort. The IRRs of non-obesity related cancers were stable with non-significant decreases in younger cohorts. These trends were broadly similar across sex and age groups. INTERPRETATION The incidence of obesity-related cancers in Australia has increased by birth-cohort across all age-groups, which should be monitored. Obesity, a public health epidemic, needs to be addressed through increased awareness, policy support and evidence-based interventions. FUNDING This research received no specific funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Feletto
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Ankur Kohar
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - David Mizrahi
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Grogan
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Julia Steinberg
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Clare Hughes
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy L. Watson
- Cancer Prevention and Advocacy Division, Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Canfell
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
| | - Xue Qin Yu
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Australia
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18
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Minamitani M, Mukai T, Yamashita H, Katano A, Miyashita M, Nakagawa K. Development of Japanese Cancer Intelligence Quotient to Measure Cancer Literacy and Knowledge among Japanese Laypersons. JMA J 2022; 5:446-457. [PMID: 36407076 PMCID: PMC9646290 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2022-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health literacy has been identified an essential factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. Because some cancer prevention and screening methods have been established, we believe that identifying disadvantaged populations with low literacy regarding cancer is crucial. Thus, in this study, we aim to create a self-administered cancer-specific health literacy scale to be administered to Japanese laypersons. METHODS Using definitions from previous studies, we constructed a scale named the Japanese Cancer Intelligence Quotient (JCIQ) for both literacy (JCIQ-L) and knowledge (JCIQ-K) aspects. We generated potential items for both aspects, extracted appropriate ones using two-step online surveys, and compared the JCIQ and cancer-preventive behaviors and cancer-screening intentions, both of which we set as alternative indicators of the right attitude and practice toward cancer by performing a multiple regression analysis from another web survey. RESULTS Between April and May 2020, we conducted three-step surveys online. After conducting the two-step surveys for thousands of people, we extracted 12 literacy questions and 22 knowledge questions using factor analysis and the correct answer ratio of every item. In the final investigation of 3,094 people, a multiple regression analysis found that the JCIQ-L and JCIQ-K were significant factors in terms of predicting both behaviors (JCIQ-L:β = 0.07, p < 0.001, JCIQ-K:β = 0.05, p < 0.01) and willingness (JCIQ-L:β = 0.04, p < 0.05, JCIQ-K:β = 0.17, p < 0.001) after adjusting for participant characteristics (e.g., gender, age, income level, employment status). CONCLUSIONS We developed the first reliable scale for measuring cancer literacy and knowledge of Japanese laypersons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Minamitani
- Department of Comprehensive Radiation Oncology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Mukai
- Graduate Schools for Law and Politics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideomi Yamashita
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuto Katano
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keiichi Nakagawa
- Department of Comprehensive Radiation Oncology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Figueiras MJ, Neto DD, Marôco J, Carmo C. How Do Healthy Women Perceive the Risk of Breast Cancer? The Role of Illness Perceptions and Compared Risk between Portugal and the U.A.E. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12923. [PMID: 36232223 PMCID: PMC9566403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Breast cancer (BC) shows significant epidemiological differences between Eastern and Western countries. These may arise from socio-cultural factors influencing how healthy young women perceive this condition, their risk of getting cancer, and the implications for preventive screening behaviors. In this study, the illness perceptions, individual risk perception, compared risk, and beliefs about preventive behaviors for BC of female university students were compared using an anonymous online survey between a European country (Portugal) and the United Arab Emirates. (2) Method: A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to investigate the hypothetical relationship between illness perceptions and compared risk as predictors of perceived risk for BC. (3) Results: There were significant differences between the study variables. The SEM was invariant, but the differences between regression coefficients in both countries were highly statistically significant. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of compared risk on individual risk and a significantly stronger direct effect for the Emirati sample. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that cultural research may help to explain factors that may shape social comparison of individual risk characteristics and influence perceived risk. Moreover, providing culturally appropriate strategies to be designed and implemented can promote early detection behaviors for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Figueiras
- Department of Psychology, College of Natural Health and Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Dias Neto
- APPsyCI—Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joao Marôco
- William James Center for Research, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Carmo
- School of Psychology, ISPA—Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal
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20
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Sebastian AT, Rajkumar E, John R, Daniel M, George AJ, Greeshma R, James T. Emotional Self-Care: Exploring the Influencing Factors Among Individuals With Cancer. Front Psychol 2022; 13:898345. [PMID: 35734454 PMCID: PMC9207817 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.898345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading source of distress and fatality worldwide. Cancer-related aberrant cell proliferation causes excruciating pain and impairment. To cope with pain and manage symptoms and illness, pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological options are available. Self-care behaviors are recognized as a key source in symptom management and improving quality adherence to treatment among the current non-pharmacological strategies. The intervention measures to improve self-care were hardly impacted because of the narrow focus on physical self-care. Bringing in emotional self-care and addressing the individual's emotional health can enhance the effectiveness of interventions on a holistic level. Hence, this study has attempted to explore the factors that influence emotional self-care among individuals with cancer. Following an exploratory research design, the data were collected from 15 participants (4 men and 11 women) using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Through thematic analysis, eight major themes were identified: physiological factors, social factors, family factors, psychological factors, individual factors, socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and spiritual factors. The findings explained the emotional self-care among patients with cancer and how different identified factors influence their emotional self-care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eslavath Rajkumar
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
- *Correspondence: Eslavath Rajkumar
| | - Romate John
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Monica Daniel
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Allen Joshua George
- Humanities and Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, Ranchi, India
| | - Rajgopal Greeshma
- Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Gulbarga, India
| | - Treasa James
- Department of Medicine, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, India
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21
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Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) and Cancer Awareness Measure MYthical Causes Scale (CAM-MY) scores in Pakistani population. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8887. [PMID: 35614124 PMCID: PMC9132919 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle modifications could prevent almost one-third to one-half of all cancer cases. The awareness of cancer risk factors could motivate people to make such changes in their behaviors and lifestyles. This work aims to investigate the cancer awareness level in the Pakistani population. Telephone interviews of 657 individuals in Pakistan were carried out using the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) and Cancer Awareness Measure–MYthical Causes Scale (CAM-MY). We observed that participants scored significantly better on the CAM scale than the CAM-MY scale, and CAM scores were negatively associated with CAM-MY scores. Years of formal education or a biology major at undergraduate or graduate level did not affect our population's cancer awareness levels. Age displayed a weak but statistically significant negative association with CAM scores. Most participants failed to identify modifiable cancer risk factors, e.g., low physical activity. Efforts should be made to improve awareness of modifiable risk factors. We observed that brief training sessions could markedly improve people's understanding of cancer risk factors and myths.
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22
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Shariatzadeh S, Moghimi N, Khalafi F, Shafiee S, Mehrabi M, Ilkhani S, Tosan F, Nakhaei P, Alizadeh A, Varma RS, Taheri M. Metallic Nanoparticles for the Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment; A New Horizon. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:847433. [PMID: 35252155 PMCID: PMC8888840 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.847433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most critical human challenges which endangers many people’s lives every year with enormous direct and indirect costs worldwide. Unfortunately, despite many advanced treatments used in cancer clinics today, the treatments are deficiently encumbered with many side effects often encountered by clinicians while deploying general methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or a combination thereof. Due to their low clinical efficacy, numerous side effects, higher economic costs, and relatively poor acceptance by patients, researchers are striving to find better alternatives for treating this life-threatening complication. As a result, Metal nanoparticles (Metal NPs) have been developed for nearly 2 decades due to their important therapeutic properties. Nanoparticles are quite close in size to biological molecules and can easily penetrate into the cell, so one of the goals of nanotechnology is to mount molecules and drugs on nanoparticles and transfer them to the cell. These NPs are effective as multifunctional nanoplatforms for cancer treatment. They have an advantage over routine drugs in delivering anticancer drugs to a specific location. However, targeting cancer sites while performing anti-cancer treatment can be effective in improving the disease and reducing its complications. Among these, the usage of these nanoparticles (NPs) in photodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy are notable. Herein, this review is aimed at investigating the effect and appliances of Metal NPs in the modulation tumor microenvironment which bodes well for the utilization of vast and emerging nanomaterial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Shariatzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Moghimi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Shafiee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mehrabi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Foad Tosan
- Semnan University of Medical Sciences Dental Student Research Committee, Semnan, Iran
| | - Pooria Nakhaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alizadeh
- Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rajender S. Varma
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghmna Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Taheri,
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Herbec A, Brown J, Jackson SE, Kale D, Zatoński M, Garnett C, Chadborn T, Shahab L. Perceived risk factors for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their association with health behaviours: Findings from the HEBECO study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 222:103458. [PMID: 34933210 PMCID: PMC8639445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perceptions are important influences on health behaviours. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to assess cross-sectionally risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their health behaviour correlates among 2206 UK adults from the HEBECO study. The great majority (89-99%) classified age 70+, having comorbidities, being a key worker, overweight, and from an ethnic minority as increasing the risk. People were less sure about alcohol drinking, vaping, and nicotine replacement therapy use (17.4-29.5% responding 'don't know'). Relative to those who did not, those who engaged in the following behaviours had higher odds of classifying these behaviours as (i) decreasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (adjusted odds ratios, aORs, 95% CI = 2.26, 1.39-3.37), and using e-cigarettes (aORs = 5.80, 3.25-10.34); (ii) having no impact: smoking cigarettes (1.98; 1.42-2.76), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 2.63, 1.96-3.50), drinking alcohol (aORs = 1.75, 1.31-2.33); and lower odds of classifying these as increasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (aORs: 0.43, 0.32-0.56), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 0.25, 0.18-0.35). Similarly, eating more fruit and vegetables was associated with classifying unhealthy diet as 'increasing risk' (aOR = 1.37, 1.12-1.69), and exercising more with classifying regular physical activity as 'decreasing risk' (aOR = 2.42, 1.75-3.34). Risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 among UK adults were lower for their own health behaviours, evidencing optimism bias. These risk perceptions may form barriers to changing people's own unhealthy behaviours, make them less responsive to interventions that refer to the risk of Covid-19 as a motivating factor, and exacerbate inequalities in health behaviours and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Herbec
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, UK; Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, UK.
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | | | - Dimitra Kale
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | - Mateusz Zatoński
- Institute - European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland; Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
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Agdal R. "Is the Pain a Sign of Healing?": Cancer Patients' Experiences of Energy Healing in a Pragmatic Trial. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221118328. [PMID: 36154510 PMCID: PMC9520151 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221118328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased, most markedly among cancer patients. Previous research on energy healing is inconclusive, but qualitative studies have mainly reported positive healing experiences, whereas positive results from trials are scarce. Considering the apparent discrepancy between qualitative and quantitative studies, we aimed to describe the interpretation processes of the patients receiving energy healing. We followed the interpretation processes of a subsection of cancer patients who participated in a pragmatic trial on energy healing, including patients in the control groups. No significant differences between the groups were found in the quantitative part of the trial, but the majority of patients in both the intervention and control groups reported subjective improvements. A subset of 32 patients from the trial was selected for this qualitative sub-study to gain insight into their interpretation processes. These 32 patients recruited from the trial were followed with qualitative interviews before, during, and after the treatment period, using a cultural-phenomenological approach. Most patients who received energy healing changed their perception of bodily experiences, and they perceived a wider variety of signs as indicative of healing than the patients in the control groups. After receiving energy healing, the patients also perceived signs that from a medical perspective are regarded as symptoms, as signs of healing. The changes in perception of illness and healing affected decision-making dynamics and should be considered when producing information and communication strategies for health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Agdal
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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25
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Hadrévi J, Myte R, Olsson T, Palmqvist R, Slunga Järvholm L, Van Guelpen B. Work-Related Stress Was Not Associated with Increased Cancer Risk in a Population-Based Cohort Setting. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:51-57. [PMID: 34697056 PMCID: PMC9398123 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a commonly perceived cause of cancer, but the evidence to date is limited and inconclusive. We examined work-related stress in relation to cancer incidence in a population-based cohort, with outcome data from Swedish national registries. METHODS The study population included 113,057 participants in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme. HRs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, for cancer overall and for types with ≥500 cases, and adjusting for several potential confounders. The primary exposure was prediagnostic work-related stress, using the well established Karasek job demand/control model. Demand and control variables were dichotomized at the median, and participants were classified according to combinations of these categories. We also considered social network and aspects of quality of life. RESULTS "High-strain" work (high demand/low control) was not associated with cancer risk compared with "low-strain" work (low demand/high control): multivariable HR 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94-1.08] for men and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92-1.07) for women. Results were also null for most cancer types assessed: prostate, breast, colorectal, lung, and gastrointestinal (GI). The risk of GI cancer was lower for "passive" (low demand/low control) versus "low-strain" work, particularly for colorectal cancer in women: multivariable HR 0.71 (95% CI, 0.55-0.91), but statistical significance was lost after adjustment for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this population-based, cohort study do not support a role for work-related stress in determining cancer risk. IMPACT This study helps fill an important knowledge gap given the common concern about stress as a risk factor for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hadrévi
- Oncology, Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Robin Myte
- Oncology, Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tommy Olsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Richard Palmqvist
- Pathology, Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm
- Sustainable Health and Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bethany Van Guelpen
- Oncology, Department of Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Hatem G, Ghanem D, Kellen E, AlZaim I, Goossens M. Knowledge and Beliefs of Cancer Risk Factors and Early Cancer Symptoms in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Survey Among Adults in the Community. Cancer Control 2021; 28:10732748211053149. [PMID: 34706582 PMCID: PMC8558592 DOI: 10.1177/10732748211053149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lebanon has an increasing cancer burden. Sufficient knowledge of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms can help lower cancer burden by facilitating primary prevention and early diagnosis. This study (i) assessed Lebanese adults’ knowledge and beliefs of cancer risk factors and early cancer symptoms, (ii) analyzed whether knowledge was correlated with personal behavior, and (iii) assessed the presence of barriers that keep knowledge from turning into healthcare seeking behavior. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey in the Lebanese adult population, consisting of a questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews on a community-based non-probability sample (n = 726) that was frequency matched to national government estimates on age, level of education and gender. Results Recognition was high for carcinogens and protective factors (75%), but low for neutral factors (22%) which were often seen as carcinogenic. A quarter of participants (27.8%) could not name any early warning signs. For some risk factors, high knowledge scores were correlated with low-risk behavior, but this was not the case for cigarette smoking. The most frequent barriers for not seeking timely care were financial (57.0%) fear of finding illness (53.7%), and having other things to worry about (42.4%). Conclusion This study revealed important knowledge gaps which are likely to hamper primary prevention and early diagnosis. However, we also showed that high knowledge of risk was not always correlated with low-risk behavior. This, together with the barriers we found that kept people from seeking timely health care, emphasizes that efforts to lower cancer burden should not only focus on increasing knowledge.
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Association of healthy lifestyle score with all-cause mortality and life expectancy: a city-wide prospective cohort study of cancer survivors. BMC Med 2021; 19:158. [PMID: 34229666 PMCID: PMC8261938 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02024-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to a healthy lifestyle could reduce the cancer mortality in the western population. We conducted a city-wide prospective study in China investigating the association of a healthy lifestyle score with all-cause mortality and the life expectancy in cancer survivors. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 46,120 surviving patients who were firstly diagnosed with cancer in Guangzhou. Five low-risk lifestyle factors including never smoking, never alcohol use, regular physical activity (≥ 2 h/week), sufficient sleep (≥ 6 h/day), and normal or high BMI (≥ 18.5 kg/m2) were assessed and a lifestyle score (0-5, a higher score indicates healthier lifestyle) was generated. Hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality and the life expectancy by levels of the lifestyle scores were estimated. RESULTS Of 46,120 cancer survivors registered from 2010 to 2017, during an average follow-up of 4.3 years (200,285 person-years), 15,209 deaths were recorded. Adjusted HRs for mortality in cancer survivors with lifestyle score of 0-2, versus 5, were 2.59 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-3.30) in women, 1.91 (95%CI 1.77-2.05) in men, 2.28 (95%CI 2.03-2.55) in those aged <65 years, and 1.90 (95%CI 1.75, 2.05) in those aged ≥ 65 years. Life expectancy at age 55 for those with a score of 0-2 and 5 was 53.4 and 57.1 months, respectively. We also found that cancer survivors with healthy lifestyle scores of 5 showed 59.9 months of life expectancy on average, which was longer than those with a score of 0-2. CONCLUSION Adopting a healthy lifestyle was associated with a substantially lower risk of all-cause mortality and longer life expectancy in cancer survivors. Our findings should be useful for health education and health promotion in primary care and clinical practice.
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Curtin KD, Thomson M, Nykiforuk CIJ. Who or what is to blame? Examining sociodemographic relationships to beliefs about causes, control, and responsibility for cancer and chronic disease prevention in Alberta, Canada. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1047. [PMID: 34078341 PMCID: PMC8173791 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beliefs about causes and responsibility for chronic diseases can affect personal behaviour and support for healthy policies. In this research we examined relationships between socio-demographics (sex, age, education, employment, political alignment, perceived health, household income, household size) and perceptions of causes and responsibility for health behaviour, chronic disease correlates, and attitudes about cancer prevention and causes. METHODS Using data from the 2016 Chronic Disease Prevention survey in which participants (N = 1200) from Alberta, Canada responded to items regarding how much they believed personal health behaviours, prevention beliefs, and environmental factors (i.e., healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, and where a person lives or works) are linked to getting cancer. Participants also responded to questions about causes and responsibility for obesity, alcohol, and tobacco (i.e., individual or societal). Relationships were examined using multinomial logistic regression on socio-demographics and survey items of interest. RESULTS Men (compared to women) were less likely to link regular exercise, or drinking excessive alcohol, to reducing or increasing cancer risk. Similarly, men were less likely to link environmental factors to cancer risk, and more likely to agree that cancer was not preventable, and that treatment is more important than prevention. Finally, men were more likely to believe that alcohol problems are an individual's fault. Left and central voters were more likely to believe that society was responsible for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and obesity problems compared to right voters. Those with less than post-secondary education were less likely to believe that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, or eating sufficient fruits and vegetables were linked to cancer - or that society should address obesity - compared to those with more education. Households making above the median income (versus below) were more likely to link a balanced diet with cancer and were less likely to think that tobacco problems were caused by external circumstances. CONCLUSIONS These results provide insight into the importance of health literacy, message framing, and how socio-demographic factors may impact healthy policy. Men, those with less education, and those with less income are important target groups when promoting health literacy and chronic disease prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D Curtin
- Policy, Location and Access in Community Environments (PLACE) Research Lab, School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 - 87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Mathew Thomson
- Policy, Location and Access in Community Environments (PLACE) Research Lab, School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 - 87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Candace I J Nykiforuk
- Policy, Location and Access in Community Environments (PLACE) Research Lab, School of Public Health, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, 11405 - 87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
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RE-VISITED; ARE FOODS FRIEND OR FOE FOR CANCER? JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.854439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Moodley J, Constant D, Mwaka AD, Scott SE, Walter FM. Mapping awareness of breast and cervical cancer risk factors, symptoms and lay beliefs in Uganda and South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240788. [PMID: 33091035 PMCID: PMC7580973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast and cervical cancer are leading causes of cancer burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We measured breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness and lay beliefs in Uganda and South Africa (SA). Methods Between August and December 2018 we conducted a cross-sectional survey of women ≥18 years in one urban and one rural site per country. Households were selected using systematic random sampling, then one woman per household randomly selected to participate. Data were collected by interviewers using electronic tablets customised with the locally validated African Women Awareness of Cancer (AWACAN) tool. This has unprompted questions (testing recall) followed by prompted questions (testing recognition) on risk factor, symptom awareness and lay beliefs for breast and cervical cancer. Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the association between socio-demographic variables and outcomes. Poisson regression with robust variance was conducted to identify independent socio-demographic predictors. Results Of the 1758 women interviewed, 90.8% had heard of breast and 89.4% of cervical cancer. 8.7% recalled at least one breast risk factor and 38.1% recalled at least one cervical cancer risk factor. 78.0% and 57.7% recalled at least one breast/cervical cancer symptom respectively. Recognition of risk factors and symptoms was higher than recall. Many women were unaware that HPV, HIV, and not being screened were cervical cancer risk factors (23.7%, 46.8%, 26.5% respectively). In SA, urban compared to rural women had significantly higher symptom and risk factor awareness for both cancers. In Uganda married women/living with a partner had higher awareness of breast cancer risk factors and cervical cancer symptoms compared to women not living with a partner. Women mentioned several lay beliefs (e.g. putting money in their bra as a breast cancer risk factor). Conclusion We identified gaps in breast and cervical cancer symptom and risk factor awareness. Our results provide direction for locally targeted cancer awareness intervention programs and serve as a baseline measure against which to evaluate interventions in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Moodley
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Gynaecology Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - D. Constant
- Cancer Research Initiative, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A. D. Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S. E. Scott
- Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - F. M. Walter
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Grimes DR, Brennan LJ, O'Connor R. Establishing a taxonomy of potential hazards associated with communicating medical science in the age of disinformation. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035626. [PMID: 32624466 PMCID: PMC7342820 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disinformation on medical matters has become an increasing public health concern. Public engagement by scientists, clinicians and patient advocates can contribute towards public understanding of medicine. However, depth of feeling on many issues (notably vaccination and cancer) can lead to adverse reactions for those communicating medical science, including vexatious interactions and targeted campaigns. Our objective in this work is to establish a taxonomy of common negative experiences encountered by those communicating medical science, and suggest guidelines so that they may be circumvented. DESIGN We establish a taxonomy of the common negative experiences reported by those communicating medical science, informed by surveying medical science communicators with public platforms. PARTICIPANTS 142 prominent medical science communicators (defined as having >1000 Twitter followers and experience communicating medical science on social and traditional media platforms) were invited to take part in a survey, with 101 responses. RESULTS 101 responses were analysed. Most participants experienced abusive behaviour (91.9%), including persistent harassment (69.3%) and physical violence and intimidation (5.9%). A substantial number (38.6%) received vexatious complaints to their employers, professional bodies or legal intimidation. The majority (62.4%) reported negative mental health sequelae due to public outreach, including depression, anxiety and stress. A significant minority (19.8%) were obligated to seek police advice or legal counsel due to actions associated with their outreach work. While the majority targeted with vexatious complaints felt supported by their employer/professional body, 32.4% reported neutral, poor or non-existent support. CONCLUSIONS Those engaging in public outreach of medical science are vulnerable to negative repercussions, and we suggest guidelines for professional bodies and organisations to remedy some of these impacts on front-line members.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Robert Grimes
- School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Laura J Brennan
- Not applicable (patient advocate, deceased), Ennis, Munster, Ireland
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Elshami M, Elshami A, Alshorbassi N, Alkhatib M, Ismail I, Abu-Nemer K, Hana M, Qandeel A, Abdelwahed A, Yazji H, Abuamro H, Matar G, Alsahhar A, Abolamzi A, Baraka O, Elblbessy M, Samra T, Bottcher B. Knowledge level of cancer symptoms and risk factors in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:414. [PMID: 32228661 PMCID: PMC7106782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income settings, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to late presentation. Good public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms has a positive impact on the time patients take before they present to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study examined public knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in Gaza. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from adult visitors (≥18 years) to governmental hospitals covering all five governorates of Gaza, and adolescent students (15 to 17 years) from 10 high schools in corresponding locations. An Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was completed in a face-to-face interview. It described demographic data and knowledge of: cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs and symptoms as well as risk factors both in recall and recognition questions. RESULTS Of 3033 participants invited, 2886 completed the CAM (response rate = 95.2%). Adult mean age ± standard deviation was 33.7 ± 11.7 years and that of adolescents was 16.3 ± 0.8 years. Half of the participants (n = 1457, 50.5%) were adolescent (781 females; 53.6%) and 1429 (49.5%) were adult (702 females; 49.1%). About two thirds (n = 1885) thought about cancer as unrelated to age. Only 196 participants (6.8%) identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer among men. Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms was poor to fair, where 'lump' was most commonly recognized (n = 2227, 77.2%) and 'change of bowel habit' the least (n = 670, 23.2%). Only 217 participants (7.5%) had a good level of recognizing risk factors with 'smoking' being the most identified and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day' the least. There was a higher likelihood for adults to identify most cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors than adolescents, except for recalling 'unexplained pain', 'persistent cough/hoarseness', 'non-healing ulcer', 'smoking', and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day'. CONCLUSION Public awareness of cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors needs to improve to facilitate early presentation and diagnosis in Gaza. Combining the delivery of public campaigns with tailored education to population groups, including the youth, may increase their knowledge and maintain its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alaa Elshami
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alkhatib
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Iyad Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Khitam Abu-Nemer
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mustafa Hana
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Qandeel
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abdelwahed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hamza Yazji
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hisham Abuamro
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ghadeer Matar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Alsahhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abolamzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Obay Baraka
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mahmood Elblbessy
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Tahani Samra
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
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Sinclair JMA, Dutey-Magni PF, Anderson AS, Baird J, Barker ME, Cutress RI, Kaner EFS, McCann M, Priest CK, Copson ER. A Context-Specific Digital Alcohol Brief Intervention in Symptomatic Breast Clinics (Abreast of Health): Development and Usability Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e14580. [PMID: 32012091 PMCID: PMC7007589 DOI: 10.2196/14580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Potentially modifiable risk factors account for approximately 23% of breast cancer cases. In the United Kingdom, alcohol consumption alone is held responsible for 8% to 10% of cases diagnosed every year. Symptomatic breast clinics focus on early detection and treatment, but they also offer scope for delivery of low-cost lifestyle interventions to encourage a cancer prevention culture within the cancer care system. Careful development work is required to effectively translate such interventions to novel settings. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a theory of change and delivery mechanism for a context-specific alcohol and lifestyle brief intervention aimed at women attending screening and symptomatic breast clinics. Methods A formative study combined evidence reviews, analysis of mixed method data, and user experience research to develop an intervention model, following the 6 Steps in Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID) framework. Results A Web app focused on improving awareness, encouraging self-monitoring, and reframing alcohol reduction as a positive choice to improve health was found to be acceptable to women. Accessing this in the clinic waiting area on a tablet computer was shown to be feasible. An important facilitator for change may be the heightened readiness to learn associated with a salient health visit (a teachable moment). Women may have increased motivation to change if they can develop a belief in their capability to monitor and, if necessary, reduce their alcohol consumption. Conclusions Using the 6SQuID framework supported the prototyping and maximized acceptability and feasibility of an alcohol brief intervention for women attending symptomatic breast clinics, regardless of their level of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M A Sinclair
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Peter F Dutey-Magni
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annie S Anderson
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, Division of Population Health & Genomics, University of Dundee Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Janis Baird
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute of Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mary E Barker
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute of Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ramsey I Cutress
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen F S Kaner
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Mark McCann
- Medical Research Council/Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Caspian K Priest
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen R Copson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Saranrittichai K, Ussavapark W, Thamrongwarangkoon A, Heangsorn T, Daoruang S, Teeranut A. Community- Based Approaches to Cancer Prevention in Rural Thailand Based on Experiences of Accredited Health Professionals. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:7-12. [PMID: 31983156 PMCID: PMC7294034 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative research aimed to describe important components of community based approaches of cancer prevention from working experiences of accredited health professionals in Thai rural communities. METHODS Data were collected from 23 communities with 23 accredited health professionals as key participants using in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) in each community. Other informants were community leaders, community health volunteers and community people. Content analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS Community based approaches for cancer prevention from the experiences of accredited health professionals were composed of 2 themes: approaches for community-based cancer prevention and methods for cancer-based prevention in the community. The approaches for community-based cancer prevention was composed of 4 components: 1) primary prevention focusing on health education; 2) secondary prevention include: life style modification, vaccination, advocacy of cancer screening, early detection, and prompt refer; 3) tertiary prevention focusing on primary care, and 4) research collaboration focusing on net working. Methods for cancer-based prevention in the community were different based on types of cancer. The 3 factors determined to be associated with community based approaches for cancer prevention were: 1) primary care policy; 2) hometown workplace; and 3) health practice skill. CONCLUSION Community based approaches for cancer prevention should concentrate on building a literate community involvement to empower both health care providers and residents. From our evidence, dedicated community associates health professionals have a major role to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesinee Saranrittichai
- Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working Age People,
- Faculty of Public Health,
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Bandara P, Carpenter DO. Causes of cancer: Perceptions vs. the scientific evidence. Eur J Cancer 2020; 124:214-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Shahab L, Smith SG. Response to letter: Causes of cancer: Perceptions versus the scientific evidence by Bandara and Carpenter. Eur J Cancer 2019; 124:217-218. [PMID: 31718862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Samuel G Smith
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK
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Domínguez M, Sapiña L. From sweeteners to cell phones-Cancer myths and beliefs among journalism undergraduates. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 29:e13180. [PMID: 31583776 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The media are an important source of health information that can help people make their own medical decisions. However, medical news can also transmit biases produced by different factors, such as the previously held beliefs of journalists. This study identifies which cancer myths are more popular among future journalists and whether their beliefs are related to their chosen source of health information. METHODS A survey was conducted among journalism undergraduates (N = 249) to determine which cancer myths existed and how widespread they were. The survey included a list with different sources of health information and eight questions regarding cancer-related myths. RESULTS The most extensive myths among the undergraduate respondents were that sweeteners (40.2%) and cell phones (48.2%) produce cancer and that a patient's good or bad attitude can determine the outcome of such an illness (52.2%). Respondents who relied on their family and friends as a source of health information were more prone to believe in cancer myths. CONCLUSION This research focuses on future journalists as a group of special interest for improving knowledge about cancer. Future campaigns to debunk cancer misconceptions should pay attention to the role played by family and friends as agents of health information transmittance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Domínguez
- Department of the Theory of Language and Communication Sciences, Faculty of Philology, Translation and Communication, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Sapiña
- The Two Cultures Observatory, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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van Veen MR, Mols F, Smeets L, Kampman E, Beijer S. Colorectal cancer survivors' beliefs on nutrition and cancer; correlates with nutritional information provision. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:1255-1263. [PMID: 31227989 PMCID: PMC6989414 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04934-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate CRC survivors’ beliefs on nutrition and cancer and the association with nutritional information provision by (kind and number) of health professionals and to inquire about foods that CRC survivors believed either had a positive or negative influence on their cancer. Methods A total of 326 CRC survivors of an ongoing prospective cohort study filled out questionnaires 1 month after surgery on whether they had received nutritional information from health professionals. Also, their beliefs that nutrition influences (1) feelings of well-being, (2) complaints after treatment, (3) recovery and (4) cancer recurrence were investigated. Prevalence ratios were calculated (using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis) to study associations between information provision and the four beliefs adjusted for age, gender and cancer stage. Results Sixty-two percent of respondents received information about nutrition from one or more health professionals. Most respondents who received information strongly believe nutrition influences feelings of well-being (59%) and recovery after cancer (62%). Compared with those who did not receive information, respondents who received information from three professionals showed the strongest beliefs on the influence of nutrition on complaints after treatment (PR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6–7.4), recovery after treatment (PR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2–3.3) and recurrence (PR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3–6.2). Conclusion Nutritional information provision by health professionals positively influences the beliefs of CRC survivors on the influence of nutrition on cancer outcomes: stronger beliefs occur when respondents received information from three health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel R van Veen
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Research & Development Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Floortje Mols
- CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lian Smeets
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Kampman
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Beijer
- Department of Research & Development Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lizama N, Jongenelis M, Slevin T. Awareness of cancer risk factors and protective factors among Australian adults. Health Promot J Austr 2019; 31:77-83. [PMID: 30932242 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Up to one-third of incident cancers in Australia are attributable to modifiable factors. Understanding the general public's awareness of cancer risk and protective factors is important for identifying knowledge gaps and informing the development of effective and targeted health promotion strategies. METHODS In a telephonic survey of 355 Western Australian adults aged 18-54 years (48% male), with a sample skewed towards low-socio-economic status areas, respondents rated the effect on cancer risk of 11 established cancer risk factors and seven established cancer protective factors. RESULTS Most respondents correctly recognised the increased cancer risk from sun tanning (94%), asbestos (92%), pesticide use (92%) and being overweight or obese (86%), and the protective effect of being physically active (82%). Half (52%) of respondents incorrectly believed that red wine decreased or had no effect on cancer risk. One in five respondents (19%) incorrectly believed that sunscreen use increased cancer risk. Only 18% of respondents were aware that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination confers a protective effect, while 17% believed it increases risk. CONCLUSIONS Although the majority of respondents were aware of certain established cancer risk and protective factors, a sizeable proportion held misconceptions about the cancer risk associated with red wine consumption, sunscreen use and HPV vaccination. SO WHAT?: Health promotion programs designed to educate the public about modifiable cancer risk factors may need to increase public awareness of the safety of preventive factors such as HPV vaccination and sunscreen, and the increased cancer risk from consumption of all alcoholic beverage types, including red wine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Lizama
- Cancer Council Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,Curtin University, School of Psychology, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | | | - Terry Slevin
- Cancer Council Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,Public Health Association of Australia, Curtin, ACT, Australia
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Gulzar F, Akhtar MS, Sadiq R, Bashir S, Jamil S, Baig SM. Identifying the reasons for delayed presentation of Pakistani breast cancer patients at a tertiary care hospital. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1087-1096. [PMID: 30774437 PMCID: PMC6357878 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s180388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Delay in seeking health care by breast cancer patients is associated with advanced stage of disease at presentation and poor survival rates. This study aimed to identify the reasons for delayed presentation and their association with various sociodemographic variables. Methods A total of 200 female patients with abnormal clinical findings, ie, lump or palpable mass, were consecutively invited for this study. Diagnostic delay was defined as a consultation with a health care provider more than 3 months from the appearance of the first symptoms. Sociodemographic variables, presenting symptoms, knowledge about diseases and its symptoms, time between seeking medical attention after appearance of symptoms and causes of delayed presentation were investigated. Chi-squared and logistic regression tests for significance and associations were used. Results Among 125 women with breast cancer fulfilling the inclusion criteria, aged 24–75 years, 88.8% (n=111) presented late (≥3 months) and 59% presented with advanced stage of disease (stage III/IV). The majority (65.6%) were older than 40 years of age, 99.2% were married, 60.8% had <8 years of education, 67.2% had poor social status, and 64.8% had a negative family history of any cancer type. Almost all patients (96%) complained about the presence of a painless lump in their breast. Ignorance of disease or the presence of painless lumps in the breast and low financial resources for therapy (81.1%) were the main variables associated with delayed presentation. Educational factors (P<0.001, OR 4.682) and social status (P<0.001, OR 1.8) were also associated with delayed presentation. Conclusion Our study highlighted the variables associated with delayed presentation in Pakistani breast cancer patients. A significant number of patients presented late owing to misconceptions and poor knowledge about the disease and its symptoms, while illiteracy and poor social status were the major contributing factors for delayed presentation, resulting in an advanced presentation of disease and ultimately a decreased survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Gulzar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan, .,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan,
| | - Muhammad Shoaib Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan,
| | - Rafshan Sadiq
- Punjab Institute for Nuclear Medicines (PINUM) Cancer Hospital, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan,
| | - Sajida Jamil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan,
| | - Shahid Mahmood Baig
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, .,Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan,
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Two-month follow-up evaluation of a cancer awareness training workshop ("Talk Cancer") on cancer awareness, beliefs and confidence of front-line public health staff and volunteers. Prev Med Rep 2018; 13:98-104. [PMID: 30568867 PMCID: PMC6290484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People working across the health service, local government, community and voluntary sectors are appropriately placed to have discussions about cancer prevention and early diagnosis with members of the public. Cancer Research UK's training workshop ("Talk Cancer") aims to increase awareness of cancer screening programmes and risk factors, promote more positive beliefs about cancer and increase confidence to discuss cancer with members of the public, among people working in these roles. This study evaluated "Talk Cancer" by surveying 178 trainees immediately before, immediately after, and two months after training in the United Kingdom. Results showed that "Talk Cancer" was effective at promoting and maintaining more positive beliefs about cancer and confidence to discuss cancer. While there was an improvement in awareness of risk factors immediately after the workshop, there was less evidence that this was maintained at two-months, but awareness was improved relative to baseline in most cases. Increased awareness of the national bowel screening programme was maintained at two-months. While awareness that screening programmes do not exist for oral, skin and prostate cancers was not maintained, awareness was higher than baseline. The majority of trainees (86%) indicated they had applied their learning in their role and 59% reported having had more conversations about cancer prevention and early diagnosis since training. The impact of "Talk Cancer" on trainees' beliefs and confidence persists beyond the workshop, however, ongoing support is required to maintain improvements in awareness of cancer risk factors and which cancer types do not have national screening programmes.
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Smith SG, Beard E, McGowan JA, Fox E, Cook C, Pal R, Waller J, Shahab L. Development of a tool to assess beliefs about mythical causes of cancer: the Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022825. [PMID: 30552257 PMCID: PMC6303629 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop a reliable and valid measure to assess public beliefs in mythical causes of cancer: the Cancer Awareness Measure-MYthical Causes Scale (CAM-MYCS). DESIGN AND SETTING Cancer myth items were generated from a literature review, social media and interviews (n=16). The CAM-MYCS was prepared by reducing items using (a) an online sample (n=527) with exploratory factor analysis and (b) cancer experts with Delhpi methodology (n=13). To assess test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change, students (n=91) completed the CAM-MYCS at baseline and 1 week after exposure to information on lifestyle-related cancer causes or control information. Construct validity was tested by comparing CAM-MYCS scores between cancer experts (n=25) and students (n=91). Factor structure and internal reliability were investigated in a national sample (n=1993). RESULTS Out of 42 items generated, 12 were retained based on factor loadings, prevalence of endorsement and expert consensus. CAM-MYCS scores improved (fewer myths endorsed) among students exposed to information on cancer causes compared with the control group (p<0.001) and showed high test-retest reliability (r=0.90, p<0.001). Cancer experts reported higher CAM-MYCS scores (fewer myths endorsed) than students (p<0.001). The factor structure of the CAM-MYCS was confirmed in the national sample and internal reliability was high (α=0.86). Inclusion of the CAM-MYCS alongside items assessing knowledge of actual cancer causes did not affect responses. CONCLUSIONS The CAM-MYCS tool is a reliable and valid tool assessing beliefs in mythical causes of cancer, and it can be used alongside items assessing known causes of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Smith
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Beard
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer A McGowan
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Fox
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Radhika Pal
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jo Waller
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
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