An Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Cancer Awareness and Beliefs about Carcinogens among Saudi Women.

Khalid Akkour,Shahad Alsuwaidan,Futoon Alsaleh,Lolowah Alghuson,Mohammed Almoqren

doi:10.3390/ijerph19052528

Khalid Akkour, Shahad Alsuwaidan + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052528

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Abstract

Public knowledge about the risk factors of cancer is essential to ensure an effective prevention program. This study aims to explore the knowledge of the general Saudi population about cancer and carcinogens and to determine the misconceptions about carcinogens to help create appropriate evidence-based prevention awareness programs. A questionnaire of 63 questions related to biographic data, source of knowledge, risk factors, and the burden of cancer was distributed online. The internet was the most sought source for cancer-related information (75.2%). The inclusion of cancer-related subjects in the educational curriculum was believed to be the best way to educate children about cancer (48.4%). Knowledge about cancer risk factors was good overall for 10 out of the 27 risk factors assessed in the study, with cigarette smoking being the most well-known risk factor (91.5%), followed by hookah smoking (85.6%), and nuclear waste exposure (80%). However, only 16.3% of participants were aware of the risk associated with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), and less than half of the participants knew the risk associated with poor physical activity. About 45% (44.9%) believed that envy and spiritual causes are associated with cancer. Most of the study participants (70%) considered cancer to be a significant health issue in Saudi, mainly due to the increasing incidence rate (44%). Conclusion: This study showed a good level of awareness regarding cancer risk factors and environmental carcinogens, which could serve as a roadmap for future awareness programs and studies targeted at the knowledge of other risk factors for cancer.

Highlights

Out of 459 participants, the vast majority lived in the Riyadh region, 68.8% (n = 316), followed by the Western region of Saudi Arabia, 13.1% (n = 60) (Figure 1)
The factors that were statistically associated with a higher level of awareness included: older age (p-value < 0.032, 95% CI = −0.247–−0.011); high educational level (p-value < 0.018, 95% CI = 0.043–0.469); non-smokers (p-value—0.010, 95% CI = 0.172–1.269); parents (p-value—0.027, 95% CI = −0.685–−0.040); those who do not who have insurance (p-value—0.046, 95% CI = −0.006–−0.681)
There was a good level of knowledge among participants about cancer risk factors and environmental carcinogens

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a spectrum of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells of any organ or tissue with the ability to invade adjacent and distant structures. States that globally, the number of new cases in 2020 reached 19,292,789, resulting in an estimated annual cost of USD 1.16 trillion, with death cases of 9,958,133 [2]. Among these numbers, the most prevalent types were breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer [2]. In 2016, the number of reported new cases in the country reached 17,602 cases as breast, colorectal, and thyroid cancers accounted for the most cases in descending order [4]

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