Cancer Awareness Campaign Research Articles

Visibility of gastric cancer awareness programs

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers known globally. Due to historically low survival rates and available few treatment modalities, especially in developing nations with high burden incidence of gastric cancers, reducing incidence seems to be the key to reducing mortality. This article has emphasized the planning and visibility of the gastric cancer awareness program. The gastric cancer awareness programs shall help people approach health care facilities if reported to be symptomatic and help to reduce the mortality burden through early detection and access to treatment. Stomach cancer awareness programs involve sensitization of the population regarding symptom recognition, screening, identification of vulnerable people, and preventive measures focused on disease control. Recognition of people at risk, symptom screening protocol along with prevention, and management of gastric cancer is meant to achieve this Gastric cancer control strategy. Gastric cancer awareness campaign, along with identification of risk factors, shall include prevention, early detection, and potential gastric cancer treatments through appropriate programs and activities. Targeting high-risk populations including males, aged more than 40 years, smokers, obese, alcoholic, red-meat eaters, population with low socioeconomic status, and people with a positive family history of gastric cancer along for health education shall be directed towards the annual gastric cancer screening programme either free or subsidized rate. Holistic gastric cancer awareness programs encompass the integrated lifestyle modification approach-addressing a healthy balanced diet; de-addiction for smoking and alcohol and stress-free life. Specific local, country-specific strategies tailored to each country's risk factor profile shall be considered while planning a gastric cancer awareness program.

Comparison between the Success of Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns over “Google Trends” in Turkey

Comparison between the Success of Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns over “Google Trends” in Turkey

Effects of narratives, frames, and involvement on health message effectiveness

An online 2 (evidence type: narrative vs. informational) × 2 (message frame: gain vs. loss) × 2 (involvement: low vs. high) between-subjects factorial experiment was conducted to examine their effects in skin cancer awareness campaigns. Results showed that loss-framed narratives were convincing for high-involved individuals, whereas both gain-framed informational and loss-framed narratives evoked higher issue attitudes and behavioral intentions for low-involved ones. Mediation analyses showed that identification with the story protagonist mediated narrative effects on the outcome variables. Theoretical and practical implications for sun protection awareness campaigns are discussed.

Awareness Level of Cancer Risk Factors and Warning Signs and Cancer Campaign Attendance behavior among Saudi Adults in a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh.

Objective:To estimate the awareness level of Saudi adults about the risk factors and warning signs of cancer and observe the association of different determinants with cancer Knowledge in Riyadh city. Methods:A cross-sectional study carried out on 390 Saudis in the outpatient clinics of King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh. Data was collected using a validated Arabic questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results:The overall awareness of the participants was limited, as the mean score of the overall cancer knowledge was 49.2%. Most of the correctly answered questions were on general cancer knowledge and not about risk factors or warnings signs. The only risk factors identified by most participants were smoking, alcohol, air pollution and genetic factors. Important risk factors such as physical inactivity, low dietary fibers and obesity were not well known. Despite Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) being endemic in the kingdom, only 30% identified it as a risk factor. Apart from “A Thickening or a lump in breast or other organs”, < 50% of participants recognized alarming warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, and change in bowel habits. Females were more inclined to attend cancer awareness campaigns. Though people who reported attendance of cancer awareness campaigns surprisingly did not achieve a significantly higher overall knowledge score. Conclusion:The public lacks knowledge of well-established cancer risk factors and warning signs, despite recent advances in the medical field. Results suggest that current strategies to educate the public need to be revised.

Reducingnon‐melanomaskin cancer risk in renal transplant recipients

With an increasing number of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and improving patient survival, a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has been observed. NMSC in RTRs are often more numerous and biologically more aggressive than the general population, thus contributing towards an increase in morbidity and to a lesser degree, mortality. The resultant cumulative health and financial burden is a recognized concern. Proposed strategies in mitigating risks of developing NMSC and early therapeutic options thereof include tailored modification of immunosuppressants in conjunction with sun protection in all transplant patients. This review highlights the clinical and financial burden of transplant-associated skin cancers, carcinogenic mechanisms in association with immunosuppression, importance of skin cancer awareness campaign and integrated transplant skin clinic, and the potential role of chemoprotective agents. A scheme is proposed for primary and secondary prevention of NMSC based on the available evidence.

P0980 - Is Movember an effective prostate cancer awareness campaign in Spanish? Insights from Google trends

P0980 - Is Movember an effective prostate cancer awareness campaign in Spanish? Insights from Google trends

Beliefs about cancer causation in Samoa: results from an awareness campaign recall survey.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Samoa. Cultural beliefs shape attitudes towards disease and disease prevention in Pacific countries, and are a barrier to engaging in cancer screening services. A survey of 205 Samoan adults conducted as part of the evaluation of the first cancer awareness campaign implemented in Samoa explored beliefs about cancer causation. Lifestyle factors associated with a departure from fa'aSamoa (traditional lifestyle) were most commonly cited as causing cancer. Cancer was also attributed to pathogens and person-to-person transmission, and, to a lesser extent, cultural beliefs including supernatural agency (spirits, God). Addressing misconceptions while integrating certain aspects of fa'aSamoa into cancer control strategies could support greater engagement in health promotion practices and screening initiatives.

Delayed help-seeking for symptomatic breast cancer: reasons for delay among participants receiving treatment at a public healthcare facility in South Africa

We explored delayed help-seeking behaviour for symptomatic breast cancer among a sample of female patients attending an outpatient breast cancer clinic at a tertiary public hospital in the Western Cape. The objective of the research was to explore the perceived personal and structural barriers to help-seeking among women with breast cancer from this low-resource setting, as this information has not been documented. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 25 breast cancer patients. Patients participated in individual interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed. We conducted a thematic analysis using both inductive and deductive coding. Participants’ limited knowledge of breast cancer, negative views of the healthcare system, and challenging life experiences, such as marital discord, perceived lack of support, and caring for sick loved ones, contributed to their help-seeking delays. We used a combination of the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory to conceptualize and organize these findings. A general lack of breast cancer knowledge was a major contributing factor to help-seeking delays among participants in the study. This finding was surprising considering that several breast cancer awareness campaigns have been run both nationally in South Africa and internationally. We call attention to the need for accessible breast cancer information at primary healthcare and community levels.

Psychosocial influences on help-seeking behaviour for cancer in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review

IntroductionStarting cancer treatment early can improve outcomes. Psychosocial factors influencing patients’ medical help-seeking decisions may be particularly important in low and lower middle-income countries (LMIC) where cancer outcomes are poor....

Health awareness as genre: the exigence of preparedness in cancer awareness campaigns and critical-illness insurance marketing

Dominant understandings of genre-as-form have limited our abilities to perceive health awareness: we recognise, and expect, health awareness campaigns from governmental and non-profit agencies. Inversely, we often fail to recognise,...

Mammography during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaigns in Lom&amp;#233; (Togo): In Relation to 1074 Cases over a Period of 5 Years

Background: This study aimed to describe the results of mammography done during breast cancer awareness campaigns in Lome. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study which focused on the analysis of mammographic examinations, with or without breast ultrasound, carried out in three (3) clinics in Lome over a period of five (5) years during the breast cancer awareness month (Pink October) campaigns. We included in our study women of all ages who underwent a mammography during the study period. Additional ultrasound was performed as needed in some women to better characterize a lesion. The parameters studied were socio-demographic data, and aspects of breast lesions. We classified the lesions in order of severity according to the BI-RADS classification. Results: During the study we counted one thousand and seventy-four (1074) women who underwent mammography examinations, corresponding to an average of 214.8 women per year. The median age of the women was 46 years. The most represented age group was 40 - 49, constituting 30% of cases. Mammography was performed on all women and ultrasound was performed on 51.3% of women. Lesions suspicious for malignancy (BI-RADS IV) and lesions highly suggestive of malignancy (BI-RADS V) represented 3.5% and 1.9% of cases respectively, amounting to a prevalence of 5.4%. They occurred more frequently from the age of 30 years with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02). These lesions could be identified on mammograms as masses with irregular shapes and spiculated margins representing 16.1% and 9.7% of masses respectively. On ultrasound, these were solid masses with irregular and ill-defined borders, representing 25.2% and 5.2% of solid masses respectively. Lesions suspicious for malignancy were most often found in the UOQ (upper outer quadrant) in 70% of cases. Conclusion: Mammography screening for breast cancer remains a necessity in our community, even if the rate of cancer detected remains low. It allows for early diagnosis of cancers, promoting better management.

Transformation of the Patient and Society: A Patient Survivors' Group and Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

Most biomedical research has the same goal: to make human lives better and healthier. However, sometimes doctors forget their own mission while treating disease. Physicians should remember the old adage to treat the patient, not the disease. The doctor-patient relationship used to be a one-way affair, going from the doctor to the patient. Compared with doctors, society expects relatively little in terms of roles and duties from patients as well as the rest of the population. Thus, society could be a foundational place in which doctors, patients, and research can communicate with one another, or society itself could transform each of these components. The best way for physicians to provide better care is to listen to the needs of patients and society more broadly. We must reflect on whether this kind of transformation is happening in our current society.

The impact of monthly campaigns and other high-profile media coverage on public interest in 13 malignancies: a Google Trends analysis.

It is estimated that more than 600,000 people will die of cancer in the United States in 2020. Annual cancer diagnoses throughout the country are expected to rise in the coming years, which may further strain the American healthcare system. As such, it is vital that public health campaigns intended to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality are successful. Monthly cancer awareness campaigns have been used in the past to raise awareness and funding for various malignancies. One notable example is the ‘Pink October’ campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. There has been limited study, however, on the effectiveness of cancer awareness campaigns for other cancers such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and cervical cancer. High-profile media coverage of celebrity cancer diagnoses and/or cancer-related deaths is another method by which knowledge of common cancers is dispersed to the public. In this study, we evaluate the impact of monthly cancer awareness campaigns as well as celebrity cancer diagnoses and/or deaths on Internet search traffic regarding various malignancies.We used the Google Trends database to evaluate public interest in 13 different cancers (and their respective cancer screening methods, when applicable) from January 2010 to June 2020. Public interest in 6 of 13 cancers (cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer) was significantly higher in their respective awareness months when compared to the rest of the year. Furthermore, peak public interest for 9 of 13 cancers was associated with a media-event such as a monthly awareness campaign or celebrity diagnoses and/or death. Our findings illustrate the important role that the media plays in facilitating public interest in common cancers and their screening methods. Cancer awareness months can serve as an effective tool to increase Internet search traffic regarding a given malignancy. In the future, public health agencies can attempt to utilise increased search traffic to better educate the public, raise funds and improve enrolment in cancer screening programmes that reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.

Women's Breast Cancer Knowledge and Health Communication in the United Arab Emirates.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), women’s participation in breast cancer screening is low, and women are commonly diagnosed in advanced stages. This study investigated women’s attitudes towards breast cancer screening, their use of health services in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and their preferred medium for breast cancer information. In this qualitative study, six focus groups were conducted with Emirati (n = 28) and non-Emirati (n = 26) women as Ras Al Khaimah is a highly multi-cultural region. Women were separated into different age groups (25–34, 30–44, 44+) so as to obtain perspectives of young (n = 16), middle (n = 19), and older women (n = 19). The focus group transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Women recognised that any breast change should be checked by a doctor, and that women with symptoms or those at higher risk may need to have breast screening earlier than the recommended starting age. However, participants wanted more information from doctors or other health personnel. Women had observed breast cancer information and campaigns advertisements in multiple media but recommended greater use of social media and WhatsApp to disseminate information. Overall, women had positive attitudes towards breast cancer screening but wanted more breast cancer awareness campaigns year-round and better access to screening.

Use of Social Media to Promote Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis: Scoping Review.

BackgroundSocial media is commonly used in public health interventions to promote cancer screening and early diagnosis, as it can rapidly deliver targeted public health messages to large numbers of people. However, there is currently little understanding of the breadth of social media interventions and evaluations, whether they are effective, and how they might improve outcomes.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to map the evidence for social media interventions to improve cancer screening and early diagnosis, including their impact on behavior change and how they facilitate behavior change.MethodsFive databases and the grey literature were searched to identify qualitative and quantitative evaluations of social media interventions targeting cancer screening and early diagnosis. Two reviewers independently reviewed each abstract. Data extraction was carried out by one author and verified by a second author. Data on engagement was extracted using an adapted version of the key performance indicators and metrics related to social media use in health promotion. Insights, exposure, reach, and differing levels of engagement, including behavior change, were measured. The behavior change technique taxonomy was used to identify how interventions facilitated behavior change.ResultsOf the 23 publications and reports included, the majority (16/23, 70%) evaluated national cancer awareness campaigns (eg, breast cancer awareness month). Most interventions delivered information via Twitter (13/23, 57%), targeted breast cancer (12/23, 52%), and measured exposure, reach, and low- to medium-level user engagement, such as number of likes (9/23, 39%). There were fewer articles about colorectal and lung cancer than about breast and prostate cancer campaigns. One study found that interventions had less reach and engagement from ethnic minority groups. A small number of articles (5/23, 22%) suggested that some types of social media interventions might improve high-level engagement, such as intended and actual uptake of screening. Behavior change techniques, such as providing social support and emphasizing the consequences of cancer, were used to engage users. Many national campaigns delivered fundraising messages rather than actionable health messages.ConclusionsThe limited evidence suggests that social media interventions may improve cancer screening and early diagnosis. Use of evaluation frameworks for social media interventions could help researchers plan more robust evaluations that measure behavior change. We need a greater understanding of who engages with these interventions to know whether social media can be used to reduce some health inequalities in cancer screening and early diagnosis.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033592

“Coming out” against cancer: How local outreach to the LGBT community can reduce cancer disparities.

131 Background: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals make up an estimated 4% of the population, qualifying them as a sexual minority. LGBT individuals are also more likely to be a racial or gender minority, to live in poverty, and to have less social support than their heterosexual peers. LGBT populations are disproportionately affected by mental health issues such as depression, which are correlated not only with behavioral risk factors, but with less likelihood to comply with healthcare screening or treatment. Approximately 30% of LGBT adults do not seek health care services or lack a regular health care provider, compared with 10% of heterosexuals. Research studies demonstrate that knowledge about increased risks and need for screening is low in LGBT populations. Sub-populations are less likely to have had a recent mammogram, anal or cervical Pap, or a prostate exam. Methods: We implemented a population-oriented program into our community outreach team in 2019 to address LGBT cancer disparities. A program manager partnered with community resources and leaders, including the Cleveland LGBT Community Center, Plexus LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Trans Ohio. First year programming included a mammogram clinic for sexual/gender minority (SGM) women, “Cancer is a DRAG” show, and a tobacco-free campaign for LGBT pride month. Results: Creating meaningful partnerships was extremely important to community leaders and organizations. Strategic plans include direct community input and engagement through a community council, in conjunction with the LGBT Community Center, a breast cancer awareness campaign, in conjunction with local entertainers, and a tobacco cessation program, through our Center for LGBT Care. We educated over 150 people and screened over 85 within the first year. Conclusions: When our healthcare institution met local LGBT people within their community, the result was quite impactful. This pilot program proved successful at educating members of the community about their increased cancer risk, which resulted in higher cancer screening rates for LGBT people. More programs tailored to LGBT-specific health concerns are important to continue reaching these populations and eventually decrease health disparities in the community.

Self-reported breast and cervical cancer screening practices among women in Ghana: predictive factors and reproductive health policy implications from the WHO study on global AGEing and adult health

BackgroundBreast and cervical cancers constitute the two leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Ghana. This study examined breast and cervical screening practices among adult and older women in Ghana.MethodsData from a population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 2749 women were analyzed from the study on global AGEing and adult health conducted in Ghana between 2007 and 2008. Binary and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between socio-demographic factors, breast and cervical screening practices.ResultsWe found that 12.0 and 3.4% of adult women had ever had pelvic screening and mammography respectively. Also, 12.0% of adult women had either one of the screenings while only 1.8% had both screening practices. Age, ever schooled, ethnicity, income quantile, father’s education, mother’s employment and chronic disease status were associated with the uptake of both screening practices.ConclusionNationwide cancer awareness campaigns and education should target women to improve health seeking behaviours regarding cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Incorporating cancer screening as a benefit package under the National Health Insurance Scheme can reduce financial barriers for breast and cervical screening.

Oral cancer awareness campaign in Northern Germany: first positive trends in incidence and tumour stages

PurposeOral cancer is a still underestimated public health problem. In Germany, until 2007, there was no systematic approach available for the purpose of raising the awareness of the public. From 2007 to 2011, a concept was developed for such an approach, and the campaign was launched in Northern Germany in 2012, and concluded in 2014. This report aims at presenting incidence trends of oral cancer, stratified according to sex, age, and tumour stages, before the introduction of this campaign and upon completion thereof.MethodsThe data kept by the Schleswig–Holstein Cancer Registry on incidence rates (ICD-10, C00–C14) focused on oral cancer (C00–C06) and stratified by sex, age-groups and tumour stages, from 2000 to 2006 and from 2007 to 2014.ResultsFrom 2000 to 2014, a total of 6760 cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer (C00–C14) were registered. When data on oral cancer was taken into account, stage I cancers of women in particular, increased over time. Regarding the stages, stage IV was the most frequent and stage I the second most frequent stage for both men and women. Over time, a small shift towards detection of tumours at earlier stages was observed.ConclusionA slight trend towards a temporary increase in incidence rates, especially among women, was observed. From an epidemiological point of view, this might indicate the initial success of this campaign. The slight trend in favour of stage I tumours could be seen as an initial minor success in terms of the early detection of oral cancer.

AUTHOR REPLY

Our study sought to evaluate the ability of men's cancer awareness campaigns to generate interest through evaluation of internet search volumes. Certainly, this approach, and Google Trends specifically, has several limitations, many of which have been appropriately noted in the manuscript and accompanying editorial. Great caution must be used when interpreting these data. However, the overwhelming majority of Americans have access to and regularly use the internet, and Google remains the leader in search engine traffic by a wide margin, rendering it the best platform for this analysis. 1 Pew Research Center: Internet and Technology. 10% of Americans don't use the internet. Who are they?Available at:https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/04/22/some-americans-dont-use-the-internet-who-are-they/; 2019Accessed January 14, 2020. Google Scholar While it is impossible to discern whether search traffic is generated by healthy persons, patients, advocates, or others, this granularity is less critical in understanding the overall impact upon cancer awareness campaigns, which target all of the aforementioned internet searchers. Additionally, the ability of Google Trends to eliminate repeat queries from the same user is likely advantageous for the current analysis, as it more accurately captures the number of individuals searching for a particular subject.

Outcomes of the National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness and Screening Campaign in Oman.

ObjectivesThe prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) depends substantially on disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Unfortunately, the majority of HNC patients present at relatively late stages. In Oman, a national screening campaign was conducted to increase public awareness of HNC and encourage early detection. This study aimed to report the outcomes of that campaign.MethodsThe campaign took the form of biannual events conducted at a tertiary care centre and in public malls in Muscat, Oman from April 2015 to July 2019. Data were collected from participants using the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance screening form. Otolaryngologists and oral maxillofacial surgeons performed a thorough physical evaluation of the head and neck region.ResultsOf the 1,500 individuals visiting the hospital and malls during the campaign events, a total of 509 agreed to undergo screening (response rate: 33.9%). Of these, 12.8% had positive screening results and 5.9% required further evaluation. However, none of the cases with suspicious findings were found to be malignant after a thorough evaluation. Overall, 16.9% of the participants were aware of the early signs of HNC; in addition, 5.5% knew how to perform an oral self-examination.ConclusionScreening is a simple and safe method for the prevention and early detection of HNC. Mass screening and public awareness programmes may help to reduce the burden of this disease in Oman.