scholarly journals ORAL CANCER AWARENESS AMONG NON-MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN LADAKH

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 263-270
Author(s):  
Mohd Hussain ◽  
◽  
Rubeena Anjum ◽  
Mandeep Kaur ◽  
Nidhi Khajuria ◽  
...  

Introduction:Oral Cancer is the fifth‑most common cancer and is the cause of 130,000 deaths worldwide annually. It is a global health problem with an increasing incidence and mortality rate and also has one of the lowest survival rates.Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the awareness about Oral Cancer among non-medicalprofessionals in Ladakh. Methodology:A questionnaire-based survey was conducted over a period ofsixmonth among the different areas of Ladakh to assess the knowledge and awareness about Oral Cancer among non-medical professionals in Ladakh. A questionnaire containing 20 questions pertaining to awareness, signs, symptoms and risk factors of Oral Cancer was submitted to the participants. Results:Participants who completed the questionnaire had a poor understanding of Oral Cancer, particularly with regard to etiology, signs, symptoms & risk factors. Conclusion:Overall, the awareness about Oral Cancer among the non-medical professionalsin Ladakh was not satisfactory pointing to the need of mass awareness and dissemination of information about Oral Cancer and its risk factors.

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (222) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratibha Poudel ◽  
Ritesh Srii ◽  
Vinay Marla

Introduction: The incidence of oral cancer is rising due to overindulgence in tobacco chewing and smoking. Its detection in early stage makes it more amenable to treatment and helps to reduce associated morbidity. However, most cases are diagnosed at later stage due to lack of awareness about oral cancer and associated risk factors. This study aims to observe the oral cancer awareness among undergraduate dental students and dental surgeons of three dental institutions of Nepal. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three dental institutions of Nepal from January 2019 to May 2019. Convenience sampling method was used. The data was collected from 508 participants through questionnaire adopted from Carter and Ogden. Point estimate at 95 % Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Our study showed that 120 (23.6%) of the participants were well informed about the clinical appearance of oral cancer at 95% confidence interval (19.91-27.29). Most of the participants i.e. 457 (89.96%) and 395 (77.75%) were aware that smoking and chewing tobacco were most commonly recognized risk factors. Only 200 (39.37%) participants were aware that non-healing ulcer is considered as the changes associated with oral cancer. Three hundred and forty-four (67.7%) said they have no knowledge about the prevention and detection of oral cancer. Conclusions: Our study exhibited the apparent lack of awareness in some aspects of oral cancer and highlights the need of enhancing the undergraduate dental syllabus.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Golburean ◽  
Maria Helene Hagen ◽  
Diana Uncuta ◽  
Marcela Tighineanu ◽  
Gayane Manrikyan ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia are post-Soviet countries with a high rate of heavy smokers and a relatively high age-standardized incidence of oral cancer. However, to our knowledge, there is lack of available information on dentists’ knowledge on prevention of oral cancer in the countries in question. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, opinions, and practices related to oral cancer prevention and oral mucosal examination among dentists in Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia. Methods This was a multi-country, cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 3534 dentists (797 in Chisinau, Moldova, 1349 in Minsk, Belarus, and 1388 in Yerevan, Armenia). Dentists' knowledge about risk factors for oral cancer development and its clinical picture, current practices and opinions with regard to oral mucosal screening and oral cancer prevention, and their consistency to perform oral mucosal examination were assessed. A knowledge score ranging from 0 to 14 points was generated based on each dentist’s answer to the questionnaire. Results A total of 1316 dentists responded, achieving an overall response rate of 37.2% (34.5% in Moldova; 52.3% in Belarus; 24.2% in Armenia). Most dentists in the three countries correctly identified tobacco (83.8–98.2%) and prior oral cancer lesions (84.0–96.3%) as risk factors for oral cancer. Most dentists correctly identified leukoplakia as a lesion with malignant potential (68.7% in Moldova; 88.5% in Belarus; 69.9% in Armenia), while erythroplakia was identified by much fewer in all three countries. Less than 52% of dentists identified the tongue, rim of tongue, and floor of mouth as the most common sites for oral cancer. The mean knowledge score for all countries combined was 7.5 ± 2.7. The most commonly reported barriers to perform oral mucosal examination were lack of training, knowledge, and experience. Conclusions This study highlights the need for improved oral cancer-related education and training on oral mucosal examination for dentists in Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia. Such skills are essential to enhance oral cancer prevention and to improve the prognostic outcome by early detection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-111
Author(s):  
Barani Karikalan ◽  
Sakthi Shathi Selvanathan ◽  
Tai May Hun ◽  
Sangeeta Kaur

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. This study aimed to determine the knowledge level of CRC signs and risk factors among the multi-ethnic sub-urban population based on age, gender and education attainment levels. A cross-sectional study was carried out among residents of Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam from 28th January 2019 till 4th February 2019 by using a convenient sampling method. 350 participants were recruited and assessed using a validated and modified self-administered Cancer Awareness Measures (CAM) questionnaire which consists of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge on warning signs and risk factors of CRC. Analysis was performed for symptoms and risk factors awareness against independent variables. The participants of the study are the semi-urban population of Malaysia and were able to recognise the CRC symptoms and risk factors, and exhibited an average overall CRC knowledge level. The analysis showed that the older age group (age > 50) participants were more familiar with the CRC symptoms and risk factors. Males have a greater percentage in the ‘High’ level of knowledge category compared to females although there was no significance between gender and knowledge level based on statistical analysis. Education attainment levels were found to be associated with the knowledge level whereby highly educated participants were more aware of the CRC symptoms and risk factors. Knowledge level on CRC symptoms and risk factors was average among the multi-ethnic sub-urban population. Therefore, health awareness programmes on CRC should be tailored to all especially the lower educational attainment groups, females and younger individuals in order to increase their awareness and reduce the CRC incidence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamedraed Elshami ◽  
Bettina Bottcher ◽  
Mohammed Alkhatib ◽  
Iyad Ismail ◽  
Khitam Abu-Nemer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Several factors might contribute to the delay to get cancer care including poor cancer awareness and having barriers to seeking help. This study described these barriers in Gaza and their association with recalling and recognizing cancer symptoms and risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gaza. Adult visitors (≥18 years) to the largest three governmental hospitals and adolescent students (15–17 years) from ten high schools were recruited. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews. It described demographic data, barriers to seek cancer care as well as recall and recognition of cancer symptoms and risk factors. Responses were compared between adults and adolescents as well as males and females. Results Of 3033 participants approached, 2886 completed the CAM (response rate= 95.2%). Among them, 1429 (49.5%) were adult (702 females; 49.1%) and 1457 (50.5%) were adolescent (781 females; 53.6%). The mean age± standard deviation (SD) of adult and adolescent participants was 33.7±11.7 years and 16.3±0.8 years, respectively. Emotional barriers were the most common barriers with ‘feeling scared’ as the most reported barrier (n=1512, 52.4%). Females and adolescents were more likely to report ‘feeling scared’ as a barrier than males and adults, respectively. Higher recall scores for cancer symptoms were associated with lower likelihood to report ‘embarrassment’, ‘worry about wasting doctor’s time’ and ‘difficulty arranging transport’. This was also seen for recalling risk factors, where ‘embarrassment’ and all practical barriers showed significant inverse associations with higher scores. In addition, greater recognition scores of cancer risk factors were inversely associated with reporting ‘embarrassment’ and ‘feeling scared’. Conclusions The most commonly perceived barriers to seeking cancer care were ‘feeling scared’ and ‘feeling worried about what the doctor might find’, followed by practical and service barriers. Females and adolescents were more likely to report ‘fear’ as a barrier to seek medical advice. Having a higher recall of cancer symptoms and risk factors was inversely associated with reporting most barriers. To improve patient outcome, early presentation can be facilitated by targeting barriers specific to population groups.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e035651
Author(s):  
Ayman Al-Dahshan ◽  
Mohamad Chehab ◽  
Mohamed Bala ◽  
Mieaad Omer ◽  
Omayma AlMohamed ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to assess the awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC) symptoms and risk factors among the at-risk population visiting the primary healthcare (PHC) centres in Qatar. The secondary objective was to assess the differences in awareness among population subgroups.DesignA cross-sectional study design was employed.SettingThe study was conducted across six PHC centres in Qatar.ParticipantsPatients, or their accompanying people, aged 50–74 years and Arabic or English speakers, were recruited from the main waiting areas of the selected PHC centres.Data collection and analysisParticipants were interviewed using the validated Bowel/Colorectal Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was applied to recruit participants. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to identify the independent predictors of CRC awareness.ResultsThe study includes 448 participants (response rate=87%). The mean age of the participants was 58.48 years (SD ±6.37). The mean awareness score among the participants was 3.63/9 (SD ±2.7) for CRC symptoms and 5.43/11 (SD ±3.3) for CRC risk factors. The overall mean awareness score was 9.03/20 (SD ±5.5). Multivariate linear regression identified the female gender (2.52 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.88)), non-Qatari Arab (2.91 (95% CI 1.64 to 4.18)) or non-Arab nationalities (1.76 (95% CI 0.28 to 3.24)), and tertiary education (4.10 (95% CI 2.55 to 5.66)) as independent predictors of higher CRC awareness.ConclusionIn general, the awareness of CRC symptoms and risk factors was low among the at-risk population in Qatar. Specifically, the regression analysis showed men, Qataris, and those with no formal education had low awareness of CRC symptoms and risk factors. Such results emphasise the importance of tailoring future educational campaigns that are relevant, specific and appealing to such cohort.


2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mohamedraed Elshami ◽  
Hanan Abu Kmeil ◽  
Maymona Abu-Jazar ◽  
Ibtisam Mahfouz ◽  
Dina Ashour ◽  
...  

Purpose Timely detection of breast cancer (BC) is important to reduce its related deaths. Hence, high awareness of its symptoms and risk factors is required. This study aimed to assess the awareness level of BC among females in Gaza. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed during September and October 2017 in Gaza, Palestine. Stratified sampling was used to recruit patients from four hospitals and seven high schools. The validated Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) was used to assess confidence and behavior in relation to breast changes, awareness of BC symptoms and risk factors, barriers to seek medical help, and knowledge of BC screening. Women (age ≥ 18 years) visiting or admitted to any of the four hospitals, and female adolescents (age 15 to 17 years) in any of the seven schools, were recruited for face-to-face interviews to complete the BCAM. Results Of 3,055 women approached, 2,774 participants completed the BCAM questionnaire (response rate, 90.8%); 1,588 (57.2%) were adults, and 1,186 (42.8%) were adolescents. Of these, 1,781 (64.2%) rarely (or never) checked their breasts, and 909 (32.8%) were not confident to notice changes. In total, 1,675 (60.4%) were aware of the availability of BC screening programs. The overall mean ± standard deviation score for awareness of BC symptoms was 5.9 ± 2.9 of 11, and that of risk factors 7.5 ± 3.1 of 16. Feeling scared was the most reported barrier to seeking advice reported among women (n = 802; 50.2%), whereas feeling embarrassed was the most reported in adolescents (n = 745; 62.8%). Conclusion Awareness of BC symptoms, risk factors, and screening programs is suboptimal in Gaza. Educational interventions are necessary to increase public awareness of BC and to train local female breast surgeons to address barriers to early detection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Hatem ◽  
Diana Ghanem ◽  
Eliane Kellen ◽  
Ibrahim AlZaim ◽  
Mathijs Goossens

Abstract Background Cancer burden in Lebanon is among the highest of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, but around one third of cases could be avoided by reducing exposure to avoidable risk factors. We explored population awareness of cancer risk factors, predictors of higher awareness and to what extent awareness correlates with behaviour.Methods In 2019, we performed a cross-sectional study (N=726) that consisted of a questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews.Results On spontaneous recall, pollution and smoking were the most mentioned causes of cancer. On average, 75% of risk factors were correctly recognized, 22% of non-carcinogenic factors, and 75% of protective factors. Woman and older people had better cancer risk awareness. Several non-carcinogenic factors are seen as more potent carcinogens than truly carcinogenic factors. There was a moderate correlation between awareness and behaviour for waterpipe, alcohol and physical activity. There was no such correlation for cigarette smoking.Conclusion Awareness campaigns are important, but need to be embedded into national behaviour change programs so that other barriers to behaviour change are also tackled.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Ankita Tripathi ◽  
Anil Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Ramniwas Mahore ◽  
Sumit S Bhadoriya ◽  
Swati Saraswat

Oral cancer is the most common form of carcinoma of oral cavity and ranks as the 12th most common cancer in the world. Oral cancer is one of the major social & health problems in India and Indian subcontinent countries. Tobacco use in different forms is the main etiological factor for oral carcinoma. (i) To define relations of oral cancer with respect to gender, age group, socioeconomic status and risk habits; (ii) To observe the distribution of affected oral cavity sites and observe the clinical profile in oral cancer patients. A cross-sectional study of 340 oral cancer patients from January 2019 to December 2019 was carried out in Department of oncology & radiotherapy, JA Group of hospital, G. R. Medical Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India. Details of patient's sex, age, tobacco habit and site of cancer and status were noted. Data were analyzed by probability of patient with risk factors and chi-squire (χ) test. The prevalence of oral cancer was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males (91.5.9%) than females (8.5%). In both the sexes, most affected sites were the buccal mucosa and gingivo-buccal sulcus. However, the consuming form of tobacco was found to be significantly associated with oral cancer, in both sex. The study revealed that oral cancer is more common in men, probably due to habit of large tobacco consumption.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 105-109
Author(s):  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
Swati Shikha ◽  
Vivek Kashyap

Background: Cervical cancer has become a vital cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide. It is the fifth most common cancer overall and second most common cancer among women worldwide. Aims and Objectives: To assess the frequency of established risk factors of cervical cancer among study subjects and to find out the association between socio demographic variables and risk factors with results of pap smear test. Materials and Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in Pathology department of Rajendra Institute of medical sciences, Ranchi for 3 months (September – November 2017) on total of 106 women who gave consent. Results: All the women (n=106) were married, 68 out of 106 (64.2%) were Hindus, 57 out of 106 (53.8%)were non Tribals 60.4% were from urban area and most of them 62 out of 106 (58.49%) were housewives. Amongst risk factors, 69 out of 106(65.09%) had their first sexual intercourse before 18 years of age, only 11 out of 106 (10.4%) were addicted to smoking and 42 out of 106 (39.62%) had past history of STIs. Educational status and Socio economic status was found to be significantly associated with abnormal pap smear results with p value <0.05. Conclusion: Most of the women were from non tribal ethnicity and urban background and illiterate with the mean age of 37.9± 10.56 years. Educational status and Socio economic status were significantly associated with abnormal Pap results.


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