Marsh L, McNoe B, Venter N, Quigg R, Notoa F, Reeder AI. Awareness of cancer among adolescents: A study of nine focus groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Health Promot J Austr 2023. [PMID:
37961934 DOI:
10.1002/hpja.826]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED
One third of cancers are potentially preventable by modifying key risk factors that arise during adolescence. To help inform prevention efforts, we investigated adolescents' understanding of cancer risk factors, symptoms and signs and barriers to help-seeking.
METHODS
Nine focus groups were conducted with purposefully sampled, binary-gendered friendship groups of 12 to 17-year-olds. Interviews were analysed using a qualitative descriptive method based on the topic schedule, transcripts and field notes.
RESULTS
Behavioural, genetic and environmental factors were commonly explored as risk factors. Most cancer symptoms identified focused on physical indicators, such as lumps and skin appearance. Facilitators and barriers to good health choices involved both external and internal factors: education, affordability, attitudes and the social environment. Most participants indicated they would talk to trusted friends and family members about health issues, but only when the condition became 'serious'. The most common source of health information was the internet.
CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents have a good understanding of behavioural risk factors, but poor knowledge of some key cancer symptoms. A support system was recognised to be a substantive factor in dealing with health issues, as were youth-focused health services. Understanding of the preventability of many cancers was not widespread with participants. SO WHAT?: The results emphasise a requirement for appropriate, affordable and accessible youth-focused health services. There is a need for age- and culturally appropriate interventions that improve knowledge of cancer symptoms. Immunisation against the viruses implicated in cervical cancer is one example of a clinical cancer prevention intervention in adolescence.
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