Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire Research Articles

Risk Assessment Tool of Breast Cancer and Barriers against Breast Self-Examination among Nurses: An Educational Program

Purpose. Breast cancer is considered a huge health problem among women all over the world due to its increased mortality rate. Breast cancer deaths are decreased by 28–34% due to improvement in treatment and early detection. In order to detect breast cancer early and provide the best possible therapy, knowledge and awareness are essential. So, this study aimed to assess risk of breast cancer among nurses, the knowledge and practices of breast self-examination (BSE) and determine its barriers, and implement an educational program for them. Design. A quasiexperimental research design was used. Methods. This study was conducted at two university hospitals (main university hospital and woman’s health hospital). A purposive sample of 280 nurses with age more than thirty-five years were included in the study using three tools, namely, structure interview questionnaire, breast cancer risk assessment tool, and a structured breast cancer knowledge and practice questionnaire. Nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding breast cancer and BSE were first assessed and then they were provided with two educational courses covering theoretical and practical information. One month after the program ended, the nurses’ knowledge and practices were assessed again. Results. About 3.2% of the participants have five years high risk of developing breast cancer according the risk assessment tool, the main barriers of do not do BSE did not find any symptoms and scared from finding any abnormality. There was a significant increase in knowledge and practice of breast self-examination posteducation compared to pre-education (73.2 and 98.2%, respectively). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and postprogram with a p value of 0.0001. Conclusion. This study concluded that 3.2% of the nurses with high risk of developing breast cancer needed a follow-up; more than half of them do not perform breast self-examination because they think that do not have any symptoms in the breast and the educational program with a significant effect on knowledge and practices of nurses. So, the researchers recommend the nurses need for an empowerment program and support by providing assistance in places of work as done free clinical examination and mammography by female specialist for privacy.

Effect of health belief model-based educational intervention on prostate cancer prevention; knowledge, practices, and intentions

BackgroundProstate cancer screening is a crucial preventive element for improving the survival rates of prostate cancer. Therefore, our research objective was to investigate the effect of health belief model-based education on prostate cancer knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive health practices among adult and older adult males.MethodsA one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental study design was carried out at the one-day outpatient clinics affiliated to General Alexandria Main University Hospital. We enrolled 110 men aged 45–75 years old in a health belief model-based educational intervention program. Various questionnaires were utilized to gather data before, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. These questionnaires included the socio-demographic questionnaire, Prostate Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire (PCKQ), Prostate Cancer Screening-Health Belief Model Scale (HBM-PCS), Prostate Cancer Preventive Practices Questionnaire (PCPPQ), and one question regarding the intention to undergo PC screening.ResultsParticipants’ knowledge about prostate cancer screening improved significantly immediately after the program and this positive change was maintained at the follow-up (p = 0.000). Furthermore, participants’ perceptions and preventive practices towards prostate cancer screening had changed significantly after program completion and at follow-up (p = 0.000). After program completion, many of the participants (92.7%) expressed their intention to undergo prostate cancer screening within the coming six months (p = 0.000). The younger age group (45–49 years) showed higher scores in their perception of prostate screening (p = 0.001). Higher education and income were significantly associated with higher scores in the three scales (p = 0.000 in all scales).ConclusionThe study findings emphasized the effectiveness of the designed health educational program based on the HBM on PC preventive behaviors, through significantly improving participants’ knowledge level, perceptions, practices, and intentions to PC screening. The program is highly recommended for prostate cancer preventive health practices among both adult and older adult males.

Stakeholders' Voices of Lung Cancer Screening in Hong Kong: Study Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Introduction: This study aims to (1) explore physicians' perceptions and experiences of lung cancer screening in Hong Kong, (2) evaluate physicians' readiness of implementing lung cancer screening in Hong Kong, (3) explore high-risk smokers' health beliefs of lung cancer and screening, (4) identify barriers and facilitators for high-risk Hong Kong smokers to screening for lung cancer, and (5) validate the Chinese Lung Cancer Screening Health Belief Scale in relation to high-risk smokers in Hong Kong. Methods and analysis: A mixed methods design will be used in this study. Individual qualitative interviews will be conducted with physicians who have experience with high-risk smokers. Physicians' perceptions and experiences of lung cancer screening, and their readiness to accept lung cancer screening in Hong Kong, will be gathered through the qualitative interviews. A semi-structured interview guide will be used in the qualitative interviews. In addition, a quantitative survey with qualitative questions will be conducted on high-risk smokers to investigate their health beliefs of lung cancer and screening and barriers and facilitators for them to screening lung cancer. A lung cancer screening health belief scale, sociodemographic questionnaire, smoking and lung cancer screening history questionnaire, lung cancer and screening knowledge questionnaire, lung cancer stigma scale, generalized anxiety disorder scale, patient health questionnaire-9, patients' medical trust scale and preferred lung cancer screening intervention delivery questionnaire will be conducted in the quantitative survey. Constant comparison and content analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data. Descriptive data analysis, validity and reliability analysis, one-way analysis of variance and post hoc analyses will be used to analyze quantitative data. Discussions: This study explores physicians' and high-risk smokers' perceptions and experiences toward lung cancer screening in Hong Kong. Findings from this study can help healthcare providers and policy makers become aware of the stakeholder's voices. In addition, these findings can help to inform the design of future interventional lung cancer screening programs and provide a tool to measure Chinese high-risk smokers' health beliefs toward lung cancer screening. A major limitation of this mixed methods study is the amount of time taken to complete the overall study. Also, its complexity requires more collaboration and networking among researchers. Ethics and dissemination: This study has minimal risk to the participants. It will be submitted to the university IRB for ethical approval. Findings related to physicians' perceptions and experiences of lung cancer screening in Hong Kong, physicians' readiness of implementing lung cancer screening, high-risk smokers' health beliefs of lung cancer and screening, barriers, and facilitators for high-risk Hong Kong smokers to screening lung cancer will be disseminated in journals and conferences. The reliability and validity of the Chinese lung cancer screening health belief scale will be reported in methodological research journals.

PENGARUH PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN DENGAN METODE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN WANITA USIA SUBUR UNTUK PENCEGAHAN KANKER SERVIKS

Cervical cancer is a malignant disease of the female reproductive organs. One of the interventions that can be done to prevent cervical cancer is to increase the knowledge of women of childbearing age with guidance and counseling methods. The guidance and counseling method can empower clients and develop their potential optimally so as to create awareness for cervical cancer prevention behavior. This study aims to determine the effect of health education about cervical cancer with guidance and counseling methods on the knowledge of women of childbearing age for the prevention of cervical cancer. This study used a pre-experimental design with a one group pre-test post-test design. This study was conducted in the work area of Puskesmas Simpang Baru with a total sample of 55 respondents who were members of one group with purposive sampling technique. The measuring instrument used was a cervical cancer knowledge questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis used was univariate and bivariate analysis using Wilcoxon test. The results showed that from demographic data, the majority of respondents were in late adulthood (36-46 years) with a percentage of (49,1%), Minang ethnicity (49,1%), multiparous parity (80%) with a high school / equivalent education level (50,9%) and the majority of respondents' jobs were not working / housewife (72,7%). There was a change in the minimum and maximum values during the pre-test 7-21 which increased during the post-test to 16-22, a change in the mean value during the pre-test and post-test with an increase of 4,13. The results of the Wilcoxon statistical test obtained a p value (0,000) < ? (0,05). This shows that health education about cervical cancer with the guidance and counseling method affects the knowledge of women of childbearing age for the prevention of cervical cancer.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN WUS TENTANG KANKER PAYUDARA DENGAN PERILAKU SADARI

Breast cancer is a malignancy found in breast tissue in cells originating from its glandular components, namely the epithelium and its lobules and components other than glands, namely the innervation of breast tissue, blood vessels and fat tissue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 globally there are 2,3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685.000 deaths. One of the efforts to prevent and control breast cancer is to do breast self-examination behavior (BSE). This study aims to determine the relationship between WUS knowledge about breast cancer and BSE in Desa Karangpucung. This research method is correlational descriptive with cross sectional approach with sampling purposive sampling technique. The number of samples in this research were 97 respondents. Data analysis using Spearman rank test. Collecting data using a breast cancer knowledge questionnaire and BSE behavior. The results showed that there was correlation of knowledge of childbearing age women on breast cancer and BSE with a p-value = 0,000 (p<0,05) with correlation coefficient value = 0,574.

Nurse-led Interventions, Adult Health Beliefs and Screening Behaviors toward Colorectal Cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer is common, the presenting symptoms are non-specific, and the stage of disease at diagnosis is closely related to survival. Regular screening reduces morbidity and mortality from this disease. The Health Belief Model posits that individuals are more likely to engage in preventive health behavior. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led intervention on adults' health beliefs and screening behaviors toward colorectal cancer. Design: A quasi experimental design. Setting: This study was conducted in outpatients' clinics at Menoufia University hospital, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 140 participants who were attended at pre-mentioned settings. Instruments: as following: I. Structured interviewing questionnaire, II: colorectal cancer awareness questionnaire. III: colorectal cancer Self-reported screening behavior questionnaire, IV: colorectal cancer Knowledge questionnaire. V: Health beliefs model questionnaire. Results: the mean age of the studied sample was 54.27± 7.271 and 52.129±6.324 for study and control groups respectively. Regarding to risk factors assessment 55.7% of study group and 65.7% of the control group has Low-fiber, protein-rich, and high fats in their diet. 80.0% of the study group and 84.3% of control group had negative family history for CRC. There was statistical improvement of total awareness score among study group (9.39±4.31) than those in control group (5.02±2.93) at post-intervention. The mean total behavior scores were 7.93±2.11 and 5.28±3.28 for study and control group respectively at post-intervention. There were statistical significance differences in total mean score of health belief model variables among study group at post intervention in which p value = .000. Conclusion: Nurse led intervention had positive impact on adult health beliefs, screening behaviors also improving their knowledge and awareness regarding colorectal cancer. Recommendations: Designing effective nursing strategies to address barriers of CRC screening and improve CRC knowledge and awareness, which is critical to achieving greater screening compliance.

Effect of Tele-nursing Instructions on Women Knowledge and Beliefs about Cervical Cancer Prevention

Worldwide, the cervical cancer considered the most frequent gynecological cancer among women. Effective primary and secondary prevention approaches will prevent most cervical cancer cases.Aim of the study: is to assess the level of women’s knowledge and beliefs regarding cervical cancer prevention and to implement and examine the effectiveness of tele-nursing instructions on women based on Health Belief Model. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. This study was conducted at primary health care center and outpatient clinic at Shaqra city, KSA.A convenience sample of 75 women were enrolled in the study.Three tools were used to collect data, 1) structured interviewing questionnaire, 2) structured cervical cancer knowledge questionnaire & 3) Health Belief Model Scale Results: There was a statistically significant difference regarding level of knowledge after applying Tele- nursing based on Health Belief Model. In addition, there was a statistical difference regarding sub-scale of health belief model and increasing in mean percentage after intervention among study sample. Conclusion: Tele- nursing education through the application of the Health Belief Model proved massive changes in improving both the beliefs of the participating women, as well as the level of their knowledge about cervical cancer prevention. Recommendation: Enhancement of tele-nursing instruction use in many nursing practice settings and developing future research prevention programs that cover a large sample would be of a great importance in early detection and management.

Effects of nursing intervention based on forgetting curve theory on disease knowledge and self-management ability in primary liver cancer patients

Objective To explore the effects of nursing intervention based on forgetting curve theory on disease knowledge and self-management ability in primary liver cancer patients. Methods From January 2017 to January 2019, we selected 159 primary liver cancer patients at Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University by convenience sampling. All patients were divided into control group (n=75) and experimental group (n=84) with the method of digital grasping. Patients of control group received routine nursing by responsible nurses. Experimental group carried out forgetting curve-based nursing according to different intervention time, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 15 days after being admitted. Knowledge and self-management ability of patients between two groups was evaluated with the Primary Liver Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire and the Self-Management Scale before, 30 days and 3 months after intervention. Results Before intervention, there was no statistical difference in the score of the primary liver cancer knowledge questionnaire of patients between two groups (t=0.496, P>0.05) . A total of 30 days and 3 months after intervention, the scores of the Primary Liver Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire of patients in experimental group were higher than those in control group with statistical differences (t=-8.366, -6.201; P 0.05) . A total of 30 days and 3 months after intervention, the scores of the Self-Management Scale of patients in experimental group were higher than those in control group with statistical differences (t=-6.203, -9.278; P<0.01) . Conclusions Nursing intervention based on forgetting curve theory can improve the disease knowledge and self-efficacy of primary liver cancer patients which is conducive to patients' long-term memory of health knowledge. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Forgetting curve; Nursing intervention; Self-management

A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Facebook compared to leaflets in raising awareness of melanoma and harmful sun-related behaviour among young adults

This study describes a randomised control trial investigating whether printed leaflets or social media are more effective in increasing knowledge of the risks of sun exposure and melanoma in people aged 18-29. The study participants were 18-29-year-old university students or graduates, recruited in London. A baseline level of knowledge was measured using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge questionnaire. Study participants were then randomised into either a leaflet arm or Facebook arm. Identical information was delivered through a SunSafe campaign via either posted leaflets or Facebook during a 10-day exposure window. Following this, participants repeated the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge questionnaire. Following the SunSafe intervention, the mean knowledge score improved in both groups to a statistically significant degree (Facebook = 1.82, leaflets = 3.04, P < 0.001). Moreover, the improvement in knowledge score of the leaflet arm was statistically significantly greater than in the Facebook arm (95% confidence interval: 0.35-2.09, P = 0.0059). Participants of lighter skin colour demonstrated greater levels of knowledge about skin cancer and sun exposure at baseline (P = 0.005; P < 0.05). There was no correlation between sex and baseline knowledge (P = 0.7725). There was no significant effect of skin tone or sex on the knowledge change (P = 0.139 and 0.643). The findings suggest that printed information in the form of leaflets is more impactful in increasing knowledge than online platforms such as Facebook among a young adult demographic in the UK. These findings should be considered when designing public health campaigns, acting as a reminder to not neglect traditional media in health promotion.

Efficacy of Training Program on Detection of Cervical Cancer using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid by Nursesversus Clinicians

In low-resource settings, the dearth of national screening programmes, lack of equipment and skilled technicians led to limitation of women’ access to cytology screening programmes. For that bridging the human resource gap with using low-cost methods have been implemented for screening, where resourceful visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) by trained nurses and doctors is the most common approach. Aim:to assess the efficacy of training program on early detectionof cancer cervix using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) by nurses compared to junior clinicians. Setting: It was conducted at early detection clinic for cervical cancer in Women’s Health Hospital (WHH) at Assiut University, Egypt. Design:Quasi-experimental research design.Participants: A total of 100 eligible women who fulfilled the selection criteria underwent VIA done by 20 nurses and junior clinicians (10 for each). Tools: Three tools used: A structured interview; Pre-posttest Cervical Cancer knowledge Questionnaire and Observation Checklist. Method:A three weeks of intensive VIA training program for 20 nurses and clinicians prior start in clinical examination of the participants, the findings of VIA were interpreted independently. A colposcopy was carried out by a gynecologist blinded to the results of VIA and a directed biopsy was taken if indicated. Results: The findings delineated an improvement in knowledge concerning cancer cervix for both nurses and junior clinicians with no significant difference between both of them. For accuracy the nurse VIA had shown good diagnostic rate equivalent to clinician VIA as compared to colposcopy.Conclusion & Recommendation:Nurses had reasonable knowledge concerning cervical cancer as well as junior clinicians and with proper intensive training nurses can perform VIA test with acceptable accuracy regarding most steps of VIA with high sensitivity and specificity to clinicians in addition to the availability during their schedule work compared to clinicians.An intensive training and periodic reinforcement sessions are needed to slightly limit the false positive predictive value among nurses.

Feasibility of a Smartphone-based pilot intervention for Hispanic breast cancer survivors: a brief report

Hispanic breast cancer survivors (BCS) are at high risk for experiencing poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after completion of active breast cancer treatment. Therefore, there is a need to develop culturally tailored interventions for Hispanic BCS. To date, there have been limited interventions that have demonstrated that increasing cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy in communication, and self-management skills can improve HRQoL among Hispanic BCS. These interventions have been delivered in person or by phone, which may be burdensome for Hispanic BCS. To facilitate intervention delivery, we developed My Guide, a Smartphone application aimed at improving HRQoL among Hispanic BCS. The purpose of the current study is to describe the feasibility results of a 4-week pilot trial testing My Guide among Hispanic BCS. Twenty-five women enrolled in the study (75% recruitment rate) and 22 women were retained (91.6% retention rate). Mean time spent using My Guide across the 4 weeks was 9.25 hr, and mean score on the satisfaction survey was 65.91 (range 42-70), in which higher scores reflect greater satisfaction. Participants' scores on the Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire significantly improved from study baseline (M = 9.50, SD = 2.92) to the postintervention assessment (M = 11.14, SD = 2.66), d = 0.59. Participants' HRQoL scores improved over the course of 4 weeks, but these improvements were not statistically significant. Overall, My Guide was feasible and acceptable. Future studies will assess the preliminary efficacy of My Guide in improving HRQoL in a larger, randomized trial of Hispanic BCS.

A Study on Genetic Knowledge and Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the levels of knowledge about hereditary breast cancer and anxiety among patients with breast cancer and to identify the relationship between knowledge and anxiety. Methods: The data were collected from 100 patients with breast cancer in Seoul in 2013. A 15-item hereditary breast cancer knowledge questionnaire and 20-item anxiety state questionnaire were used to measure knowledge and anxiety, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, 8.34±3.17, indicating 0.56 when converted to 1. Knowledge was different by age, education, marital status, monthly family income, risk for hereditary breast cancer, and needs for genetic counseling. The mean score of anxiety was 46.05 ±10.53. There was positive correlation between knowledge and anxiety (r=.25, p=.014). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that oncology professionals need to provide genetic knowledge for early detection and prevention of secondary cancer to patients with breast cancer, while considering and relieving their emotional distress, such as anxiety.

HPV and Anal Cancer Knowledge Among HIV-Infected and Non-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of what men who have sex with men (MSM) know about anal cancer in terms of self-care behaviors/practices, human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, risk awareness, anal cancer screening history, the need to be screened, and how demographic or behavioral practices were associated with knowledge and awareness. A convenience sampling method was employed. Participants were recruited in 2014-2015 in venues such as Pride Center events as well as in bars, restaurants, and cafes that cater to a gay clientele. Participants' knowledge of HPV and anal cancer were examined using the Anal Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire (ACKQ). The 65-item survey consisted of demographic variables, questions related to anal health behaviors, practices, and perceptions, HPV and anal cancer knowledge, and HPV and anal cancer risk awareness. The sample consisted of 163 men. The mean age of the participants was 49.6 years. The majorities were white (62.6%), followed by Hispanic (26.4%) and Black (8.0%). Study participants were, to a great extent, uninformed and largely unaware of the link between HPV and anal cancer and the risk that HPV and anal cancer presented to MSM. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that HPV knowledge, P < .001, and risk awareness, P < .001, differed by HIV status. In spite of efforts in recent years to raise HPV and anal cancer awareness, those groups most at risk appear to remain uncertain of risk, screening, and measures to protect themselves from the adverse implications of HPV infection.

Do multimedia based information services increase knowledge and satisfaction in head and neck cancer patients?

To investigate the impact of a Multimode Comprehensive Tailored Information Package (MCTIP) on Head and Neck (H&N) cancer patients' knowledge and satisfaction. A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted at two participating hospitals. One hospital delivered the MCTIP and the second hospital provided normal care. The study was approved by local ethical committees. Patients with Stage III and IV cancer in the H&N region were recruited between their diagnosis and treatment. All participants were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6months later using the Satisfaction with Cancer Information Profile (SCIP) and a Cancer Knowledge questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T tests, chi square tests and finally linear mixed model analyses to test the potential impact of the intervention. A total of 103 participants participated in this study and complete data at all time points were collected for 96. The Test group reported higher levels of Cancer Knowledge and Satisfaction at all time points (p<0.001 with all comparisons) compared to the Control group. Our study demonstrated an association between receiving the multimedia based tailored information and higher levels of satisfaction and cancer knowledge compared to those who receive information in ad hoc manner. Exploring patients' informational needs is necessary before planning information services to them.

Pediatric cancer knowledge: Assessment of knowledge of warning signs and symptoms for pediatric cancer among Brazilian community health workers

Field workers and lay community health educators are often children's first opportunity for correctly recognizing and responding to early signs and symptoms of pediatric cancers. Inadequate familiarity with the warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer results in delayed referral to a physician for diagnosis and treatment. This pilot study assessed community health workers' baseline level of knowledge about childhood cancers. Community health workers from Brazil completed a pediatric cancer knowledge questionnaire. Although all respondents knew to refer a child suspected to have cancer to a physician, their knowledge of the early warning signs and symptoms of pediatric cancer was very low. The findings demonstrate a link between training and knowledge and confirm the need for targeted education in the warning signs and symptoms of pediatric cancer for community health workers in developing countries.

Development of a reliable and valid questionnaire to test the prostate cancer knowledge of men with the disease

Several prostate cancer knowledge questionnaires exist but none have demonstrated both reliability and validity when used by men with the disease. This study aims to develop a reliable and valid knowledge questionnaire for men with prostate cancer. After developing a 40-item Prostate Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire ( PCKQ-40) in phase I, it was piloted in phase II with 391 medical students. This resulted in the reduction of the tool by removing items of poor discriminatory value. A balance between true and false items and content domains was also maintained in the reduced scale. The PCKQ-12 had a moderate internal consistency. Phase III of the study assessed the reliability and construct validity of the tool by measuring the prostate cancer knowledge levels of men with prostate cancer ( n=28), men with other cancers ( n=10) and men without cancer ( n=84). Men with prostate cancer achieved significantly higher PCKQ-12 scores compared with men without cancer, supporting the construct validity of the tool. The tool’s reliability was also confirmed with a moderate internal consistency. This study provides some evidence for the reliability and validity of the PCKQ-12 and supports its use with men with prostate cancer in further research.

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of cancer knowledge - comparing hypochondriacal subjects and healthy controls

An exploratory study of cancer knowledge in hypochondriacal subjects (n = 27) and matched controls (n = 27) is presented. Both quantity and quality of knowledge were investigated; i.e. whether hypochondriacal subjects were better able to discriminate between cancer warning signs and non-warning signs using the Knowledge of Cancer Warnings Signs Inventory (Berman and Wandersman, 1991). than controls. Also, level of cancer knowl edge in general was measured using the recently developed Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire (CKQ). Differential effects of threatening versus reassuring information were also studied. Results showed that hypochondriacal subjects were more likely to falsely identify non-warning signs as cancer warning signs than control subjects. Groups did not differ in general level of cancer knowledge. High health anxiety subjects agreed with threatening statements more often than non-hypochondriacal subjects. Hypochondriacal subjects' general coping style was characterized by more information seeking and less information avoiding. Implications of these results are discussed.

Knowledge of Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Among Parents of Young Children

Considering that the majority of skin damage in later life is due to sun exposure during childhood, it is imperative that researchers begin to assess factors that may be related to parents' knowledge of sun exposure and skin cancer. In this study we examined the relationship between parents' skin cancer knowledge and relevant demographic characteristics and reported on the initial development of a questionnaire designed to assess parents' knowledge of skin cancer and sun exposure. Two hundred sixteen parents of children ages 6 months to 10 years completed a skin cancer knowledge questionnaire and a detailed demographic data form. Overall, the knowledge questionnaire demonstrated adequate internal consistency (a = .73), good Zweek test-re- test reliability (.74), and good content validity. Further, greater skin cancer knowledge among parents was associated with higher education, lighter skin complexion, and knowing someone with skin cancer. We discuss results in the context of the role health professionals can play in educating parents of young children about the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Cancer Knowledge and Acceptance of Children with Cancer

In this study, a Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire (CKQ) for elementary schoolchildren was developed and the relationship of cancer knowledge to attitudinal predispositions to accept and interact with children with cancer was assessed. CKQ includes 21 yes-no items that assess general cancer knowledge and knowledge of cancer's effects on social and emotional functioning. A sample of 478 children, ages six-12, completed CKQ, and a separate sample of 41 children completed it on two occasions separated by a one-week interval. Adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability were obtained. Children's knowledge of cancer increased with age but generally was limited across all age groups. Knowledge of cancer was associated positively with previous experiences with cancer, lower fear of cancer, less worry about children with cancer, and attitudinal predispositions to accept and interact with children having cancer.

Limitations in testing for attitudes toward cancer

A Cancer Attitude And Knowledge Questionnaire was administered to two groups of incoming first year medical students and to one of these groups at the end of their second year. The same questionnaire, except for the questions dealing with cognitive knowledge, was also used to assess the attitudes of practicing oncologists. There was a wide variation in the responses to the attitudinal items in all groups. In view of many inconsistencies in the results, a rigorous analysis of the instrument was carried out. The subscales derived from the Cancer Attitude Survey were found to lack adequate reliability. The only part of the attitudinal test found to be reliable and discriminatory was the semantic differential developed by the authors. It is, therefore, concluded that the currently used techniques are inadequate, and there is a need for a new multidimensional approach to the assessment of attitudes toward cancer.