Postoj dospelej populácie k oportúnnym skríningom v prevencii onkologických ochorení

Abstract

Objective: To assess adult attitudes towards opportunistic screening as a form of active cancer prevention. Material and methodology: The study was conducted on a sample of 257 adult subjects between 30.06.2023 and 15.09.2023. Attitudes were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. We performed a descriptive data analysis and used two non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests). Results: in a sample (n=257) of adult respondents, we identified positive attitudes towards opportunistic screening as a form of cancer prevention. At the same time, data analyses showed differences in attitudes between the different screenings with respect to gender and age. The younger age group of respondents (18-30 years) had a positive attitude (x =3.98) towards screening for colorectal cancer prevention. We found differences in attitudes with respect to gender in breast cancer prevention (p < 0.001). Women (x =4.29) attached more importance to breast cancer screening than men (x =3.95). By age (n=257), we found the highest value (x =4.34) in the 45-64 year old age group. The results of data analysis showed statistically significant difference in attitudes between age groups (p < 0.05) and between genders (p < 0.001) in cervical cancer prevention. We note that women (x = 4.38) have a higher importance and positive attitude towards screening compared to men (x = 3.99). Among the age groups, higher values, more positive attitude are recorded in the category of 45-64 year olds. Conclusion: Opportunistic screenings are a form of well-organised prevention of specific cancers. Their importance has been demonstrated by studies in European Union (EU) countries. We can never be completely satisfied with the results of this form of prevention. We consider opportunistic screening to be a benefit of the existing prevention system, which reduces risks in the form of late detection of cancer.