Awareness Of Cancer Screening Research Articles

Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia, 2022.

According to the WHO, cancer is ranked as the secondleading cause of death, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. This study aimed to assess public awareness about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and the barriers that prevent Saudi individuals from undergoing CRC screening. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Prince Mishari Bin Saud General Baljurashi Hospital, and a supervised self-administered questionnaire was utilized. Sociodemographic data, knowledge about colorectal cancer, and attitude toward screening were included in the survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Pearson's chi-square test. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 396 eligible participants completed the survey. About 209 (52%) were female, and 124 (31.3%) belonged to the age group of 18-29 years. Nearly (49.7%) knew that detecting colorectal cancer before symptoms appear is possible. About 64% of the participants cited colonoscopy as the screening method for CRC. More than half of the participants (58.1%) expressed their willingness to be screened for colorectal cancer, while only 2.8% reported that they had undergone screening before. Participants with higher educational status demonstrated better knowledge regarding CRC than others (p<0.05). The overall knowledge of CRC was found to be poor in Al-Baha residents, irrespective of age. Implementing new strategies to increase public awareness about colorectal cancer will aid in the early diagnosis of CRC. We recommend targeted education and screening programs to improve the level of screening awareness and aid in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

The impact of early-stage COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer: A cross-sectional study using a large-scale cancer registry in Hiroshima, Japan.

After the confirmation of coronavirus infection in Japan, a behavioral change caused people and physicians to refrain from visiting hospitals or undergoing examinations. This study aimed to assess how the trend of diagnosis in gastric cancers changed, and how it affected the therapeutic strategies and the interval from diagnosis to treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use 15 cancer-designated hospitals' registries in Hiroshima, Japan. The target period was March to December 2020, and the same period in 2019 was set as the control period. The monthly mean of diagnoses and the interval from diagnosis to treatment were compared overall and separately by age, treatment procedure, diagnostic process, and clinical stage. In 2020, the monthly mean (standard deviation [SD]) of patients was 192.2 (29.9), a significant 20.1% decrease from 240.7 (20.7) in 2019 due to older age and curative treatment groups. By reason for performing endoscopy, the change rate in cancer screening, endoscopic follow-up, and symptomatic status were -27.0%, -18.0%, and -17.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the interval (days) from diagnosis to treatment (SD) was 37.8 (26.5) in 2020, significantly shorter than 46 (31.5) in 2019. From 2019 to 2020, we observed a significant decrease in the diagnosis of curable early-stage gastric cancer and treatments, although the interval from diagnosis to treatment decreased. This study suggests that cancer screening played a significant role in the decline in cancer diagnosis that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even under COVID-19 pandemic conditions, there should be an awareness of cancer screening and endoscopic follow-up.

Status of cancer screening in India: An alarm signal from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

Cancer is often detected much later to its onset, resulting in poor prognosis. This makes cancer the second most common cause of death globally. Looking for cancers much before any symptoms occur is termed "cancer screening" and is a powerful strategy for prevention, early diagnosis, and better management of several cancers. This paper examines the status of cancer screening in India from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 report for the period of 2019-2021. Secondary data on participation in screening for cervical, breast, and oral cancer were extracted from the NFHS-5 report. Participation status for all the above cancer types is represented as percentages and compared across 28 states and eight union territories in India. The percentages of women who have ever undergone cervical, breast, and oral cavity screening were 1.9%, 0.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. About 1.2% of men participated in oral cavity screening. The highest percentage of cervical and breast cancer screening participation was reported in Tamil Nadu (9.8% and 5.6%, respectively), followed by Puducherry (7.4% and 4.2%) and Mizoram (6.9% and 2.7%). Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported the highest oral cancer screening among women (10.1%) while Andhra Pradesh (6.3%) reported the highest participation among men. Cancer screening participation in India is extremely inadequate and calls for the immediate attention of national and state governments. Additional efforts are warranted to improve public awareness of cancer screening, and appropriate measures should be implemented to conduct well-organized screening programs across the country to ensure maximum participation.

Implementation of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the Thabachweu Region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Background: The South African National Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme offers three free cervical cytology smears to all women over the age of 30 years at 10-year intervals. The cumulative screening coverage is around 13.7%. Women still present at tertiary institutions with advanced stage cervical cancer. Objective: To quantify the implementation of the National Guideline for Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the Thabachweu region of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Methods: An audit tool was used to select a stratified random sample with proportional allocation of 102 of the 1172 weekly clinic files retrospectively from women aged 30–50 years who consulted at 6 primary health care facilities. Results: Only 15.55% (n = 791) of women consulting at the clinics were screened for cervical cancer with a Pap smear. Of the women screened, 45.20% (n = 357) were given a follow-up Pap smear date. Pap smears were repeated in only 31.74% (n = 159) of the 501 women with suspicious results, while 4.43% (n = 21) of the 474 women with abnormal results were referred for colposcopy. Women treated for cervical cancer were not followed up. Conclusion: The National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme is far from reaching the national screening target of 70%. Implications for Practice: Practice and screening policies at primary health care facilities should be revisited, cervical cancer screening efforts must be scaled up, and challenges health care providers and women experience, explored. Foundational: Women are not adequately being screened, referred and followed up for cervical cancer. Health care providers should engage with patients to raise cervical cancer screening awareness.

Lack of Awareness, Body Confidence and Connotations of Sex: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Barriers Affecting the Decision to Attend Initial Cervical Cancer Screening

This study sought to understand how cervical cancer screening (CCS) awareness, sexual connotations and body image influenced the likelihood of CCS uptake in women yet to attend. Eleven females, aged 23–24, yet to attend CCS, were purposefully sampled. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, generating three superordinate themes: (1) building screening expectations, (2) confronting sexual connotations and (3) growing pains. Findings demonstrated how a lack of awareness of CCS and the sexual connotations implicit in CCS acted as a barrier to attendance, exacerbated by negative body image comparisons between oneself and online or social media-based images. The perceived sexual connotations of CCS, and the resulting embarrassment, bolsters the case for self-screening, removing the need to attend clinic screening appointments. Reconceptualising screening using a theoretical model of the relationship between body image disturbances and body-focused screening behaviours among women, could lead to the development of pro-screening social media interventions.

S907 Awareness and Perceptions of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Screening in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Guidelines recommend periodic endoscopic surveillance to detect and manage dysplasia. We aimed to explore patient knowledge and perceptions of CRC risk and colonoscopic surveillance. Methods: A 44-item questionnaire was administered to IBD patients with colonic involvement attending gastroenterology clinics between July 2021 and April 2022. Results: Of 418 respondents, 266 (64%) had ulcerative colitis and 145 (34%) had Crohn’s disease, with 176 (42%) diagnosed for ≥10 years. Two hundred and sixty-five (66%) patients rated their IBD control moderate/good (score ≥7/10), and 314 (75%) self-rated their understanding of IBD as good/excellent. Two hundred and ninety-eight patients (71%) recognised that CRC risk is higher in IBD but 83 (20%) felt the risk of CRC was lower in IBD or were unsure. Age (p=0.02), being a Crohn’s and Colitis UK (CCUK) member (p< 0.001), patient rated IBD control (p=0.04) and self-rated understanding (p=0.01) were associated with better CRC risk awareness. One hundred and forty-nine (36%) respondents stated that their IBD healthcare professional (HCP) had previously discussed CRC risk with them; this was associated with better CRC knowledge (p=0.001). On multivariate analysis CCUK membership (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.57- 4.83; p< 0.001), prior HCP discussion (OR 1.57; 95% CI 0.85-2.87; p=0.01) and age ≥65 years (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.09- 0.99; p=0.05) were predictive of greater CRC risk awareness. Concerning the most appropriate screening test for dysplasia, 369 patients (88%) stated colonoscopy, but only 29 (7%) were aware that colonic surveillance should commence 8-10 years after diagnosis; 153 (37%) recognised that optimal timing is when IBD is in remission. Patient reported information sources included gastroenterology HCPs (43%), patient support groups (28%), and patient leaflets (17%). The majority (78%) stated they would agree to have surveillance colonoscopy. Bowel preparation (50%) and discomfort (45%) were factors most likely to dissuade them from agreeing to surveillance. Conclusion: Patient knowledge of CRC risk and surveillance practice in IBD is variable. Modifiable factors associated with improved knowledge are discussion with HCPs and CCUK membership. Our findings underscore the need for better patient education to aid informed decision-making between patients and HCPs and improve adherence to colonoscopic surveillance.

EP01.02-004 Education Messages and Strategies About Lung Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review

International lung cancer screening trials, using low-dose computed tomography, have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing lung cancer mortality. This systematic review aims to synthesise key messages and strategies that might be successful in increasing awareness and knowledge of lung cancer screening, and ultimately uptake of screening.

Knowledge, attitude and perception on breast cancer awareness among paramedical workers

Background: The projected incidence of patients with cancer in India among females was 712,758 (103.6 per 100,000) for the year 2020. 1 in 29 females will develop cancer during their lifetime (0-74 years of age).Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed among 392 Registered nurses in a community care hospital. Totally 130 nursing staffs gave consent and were eligible for the study having work experience of more than one year.Results: Total 83 (63%) of study participants belonged to 21-30 years. 113 (86%) thinks breast cancer is a public health problem. 80 (61.5%) thinks breast lump is a most common sign of breast cancer. 121 (93.07%) heard of breast self-examination and 126 (96.9%) thinks it is a useful tool for early detection of breast cancer. 82 (63.07%) said BSE should be done monthly. 114 (87.6%) has been taught how to do BSE. We found 113 (86.9%) has got satisfactory score and average score is 4.67. P value 0.44 when scores of people with breast cancer in their families are compared to people without a positive family history.Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it was discovered that the low levels of practise were closely related to the lack of awareness of breast cancer screening and the willing to practise breast self-examination. An Indian woman disregards clinical breast examination. By creating awareness, we can reduce the occurrence and death rates from this illness.

Audio-Visual Training Improves Awareness and Willingness of Cervical Cancer Screening among Healthy Indian Women: Findings from a Survey.

Priya GaneshkumarObjectives We evaluated the impact of a standardized, simple audio-visual (AV) training video developed in regional languages on cervical cancer awareness among apparently healthy women and their willingness to undergo regular cervical cancer screening. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional noninterventional multicentric survey was conducted in 69 centers across 14 states in India and one center in UAE among women aged between 18 and 88 years attending clinics for a variety of indications. Using a short questionnaire, cervical cancer awareness and willingness to undergo cervical cancer screening were assessed before and after the AV training. Statistical Analysis In addition to descriptive analysis, improvement in awareness after the AV training was assessed using McNemar's test, and comparison of responses between subgroups was performed using Pearson chi-squared test. Results The survey was completed by 3,188 apparently healthy women (mean age: 36.8 ± 11.3 years). Before AV training, correct answers were given to only 4/6 questions by majority of the participants; most participants were unaware about the main cause of cervical cancer (1,637/3,188, 51.4%), availability of cervical cancer screening tests (1,601/3,188, 50.2%), and cervical cancer vaccines (1,742/3,188, 54.6%). Only 576 women (18.1%) had undergone cervical cancer screening in the past. After the AV training, the proportion of women correctly responding to all six questions improved significantly (p < 0.05), and 84.4% (2691/3188) women showed willingness to undergo periodic cervical cancer screening. Compared to unmarried and professional women, although married women and home-makers had lower awareness scores, the latter subgroups had more often undergone previous cervical cancer screening. Conclusion It is possible to improve cervical cancer awareness among healthy women, and to enhance their willingness to undergo regular cervical cancer screening tests using a simple, six minute-long, standardized AV training material.

Low Rates of Lung and Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake Among a Safety-net Emergency Department Population.

IntroductionA suspected diagnosis of cancer through an emergency department (ED) visit is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the rate at which ED patients attend cancer screenings for lung, colorectal (CRC), and breast cancers based on national guidelines set forth by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Patients were randomly approached in the Eskenazi Hospital ED between August 2019–February 2020 and were surveyed to determine whether they would be eligible and had attended lung, CRC, and breast cancer screenings, as well as their awareness of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Patients who were English-speaking and ≥18 years old, and who were not critically ill or intoxicated or being seen for acute decompensated psychiatric illness were offered enrollment. Enrolled subjects were surveyed to determine eligibility for lung, colorectal, and breast cancer screenings based on guidelines set by the USPSTF. No cancer screenings were actually done during the ED visit.ResultsA total of 500 patients were enrolled in this study. More participants were female (54.4%), and a majority were Black (53.0%). Most participants had both insurance (80.2%) and access to primary care (62.8%). Among the entire cohort, 63.0% identified as smokers, and 62.2% (140/225) of the 50- to 80-year-old participants qualified for lung cancer screening. No patients were screened for lung cancer in this cohort (0/225). Only 0.6% (3/500) were aware that LDCT was the preferred method for screening. Based on pack years, 35.5% (32/90) of the patients who were 40–49 years old and 6.7% (6/90) of those 30–39 years old would eventually qualify for screening. Regarding CRC screening, 43.6% (218/500) of the entire cohort was eligible. However, of those patients only 54% (118/218) had been screened. Comparatively, 77.7% (87/112) of the eligible females had been screened for breast cancer, but only 54.5% (61/112) had been screened in the prior two years.ConclusionMany ED patients are not screened for lung/colorectal/breast cancers even though many are eligible and have reported access to primary care. This study demonstrates an opportunity and a need to address cancer screening in the ED.

HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening: Assessing Awareness, Attitudes, and Adherence in Detained Women.

Background: This study assessed awareness, attitudes, and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening in detained women. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 in four women prisons in Italy. Results: 41.1% of participants recognized HPV infection as an sexually transmitted diseases (STD), 36.4% identified cervical, and 16.8% oral cancer as an HPV-associated disease. Overall, 70% had never heard of HPV vaccination, and 45.8% believed it is effective to prevent cervical cancer. Among the age-eligible women for HPV vaccination, none reported to have undergone it, nor had talked about it with a physician in the previous year. Only 13.5% declared to have ever undergone cervical cancer screening, and adherence was significantly higher in those who were involved in a working activity in prison, who were aware that HPV infection is an STD and that can cause cervical and oral cancer, and who were older at their first sexual intercourse. Conclusion: These findings documented an extremely low awareness of HPV infection and an unsatisfactory adherence to prevention through HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. There is a need for evidence-based interventions for incarcerated women to promote participation in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs as routine activities.

Prostate cancer screening awareness among expatriates’ adults living in Saudi Arabia

Background: Cancer is the second major cause of death worldwide. Early detection of cancer is a cornerstone of cancer survival. Cancer of the prostate is a major cause of concern for all men, as it offers a serious health risk, particularly to human males over 40 years. The main aim of the current study was to determine the level of awareness of prostate cancer screening among expatriates’ adults living in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was used during March 2020 and January 2021; 337 expatriates' men were selected using a convenient sampling from shopping centers and coffee shops. A structured questionnaire designed included 16 questions, the first 4 questions designed to know the demographic features, while the other 12 questions concerned with the level of knowledge about PC and the level of awareness regarding PC screening. Results: Collected data revealed that 259 (77%) of the study participants did not have any information in regards to prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening methods. Conclusion: More than half of expatriates’ adults’ men have poor knowledge in regard of prostate cancer and screening. Therefore, Special attention should be paid for raising awareness about male prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening.

Current situation of cancer screening knowledge among medical students and medical doctors in Puebla City, Mexico.

e22505 Background: Knowledge and awareness of cancer screening among medical doctors has a great relevance in prevention of oncologic diseases. It is well known that cancer screening can significantly improve patients’ outcomes and prognosis by reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, improving medical doctors’ knowledge regarding cancer screening can directly influence health promotion behavior as well as their capacity to recognize cancer in premalignant or early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of cancer screening among medical students and doctors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the cancer screening knowledge of medical students and physicians residing in Puebla City, Mexico. This study was conducted by the Centro Oncológico Integral at the Hospital Ángeles de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico. All the participants had given their informed consent for the use of their data for research purposes. Data was collected using an anonymous online-based, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire to measure their knowledge about cervical, breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer screening. Data analysis was done using R-Statistics. Results: A total of 383 health care professionals were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 28 years. Participants included last year medical students (n = 68, 17.8%), interns (n = 37, 9.7%), social service year physicians (n = 75, 19.6%), general practitioners (n = 138, 36%), residents (n = 23, 6%) and specialists (n = 42, 11%). The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, the total knowledge score had a quartile 1 (Q1) of 11 points, a quartile 2 (Q2) of 13 points and a quartile 3 (Q3) of 14 points. Participants were categorized in three groups according to their score: 45.95% showed a low (&lt; Q2) level of knowledge, 30.02% a moderate (Q2–Q3) level of knowledge and only 24.02% a high (&gt; Q3) level of knowledge. Residents and specialists showed a better median score than other groups of participants. A one-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge according to the occupation of the participants (p = 0.0171). Conclusions: Most participants showed a low to moderate level of knowledge about cancer screening in this study. Active measurements, effective education programs and communication strategies are required to improve the level of knowledge and awareness of health care professionals in cancer screening and prevention.

Interdisciplinary, Inclusive, and Innovative: Promoting a Paradigmatic Shift in Cancer Research Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents and young adults (AYA) face heightened risks of cancer due to cissexism and transphobia in healthcare, low cancer screening rates, limited knowledge and awareness of cancer risk and screenings, poor healthcare experiences, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite this, TGD AYA cancer risk is relatively unexamined in oncology research. To intervene early and mitigate risk, we require holistic understandings of cancer risk among TGD AYA. This research brief engages with an interdisciplinary knowledge base to identify gaps and limitations warranting critical attention by TGD AYA and cancer scholars. The current literature on TGD AYA risks for cancer are explored with specific attention to the social environment and its impact on cancer risk. The brief ends with a call to action for a paradigmatic shift to promote inclusive, innovative, and interdisciplinary cancer research with TGD AYA.

Awareness and Knowledge of HPV, HPV Vaccination, and Cervical Cancer among an Indigenous Caribbean Community.

Caribbean women experience a cervical cancer incidence rate that is three times higher than that among their North American counterparts. In this study, we performed a needs assessment of the knowledge and awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer and receipt of cervical cancer screening among an indigenous Caribbean community. We purposively recruited individuals aged ≥18 from a community health care clinic (n = 58) to complete a 57-item structured interview including items on demographics, cancer history, knowledge and awareness of HPV, HPV vaccines, cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening. Participants’ mean age was 47.1 years (SD: 14.4). Most were female (74.1%), were married/partnered (51.7%), had primary education (63.8%), and identified as Kalinago (72.4%). Whereas 79.5% had heard of cervical cancer, few had heard of HPV (19.6%) or the HPV vaccine (21.8%). Among those who knew someone with cancer, 90.9% had heard of the HPV vaccine, compared with only 9.1% of those who did not know anyone with cancer (p = 0.02). Access to HPV vaccination is an immediate, cost-effective cancer prevention priority for reducing the disproportionate burden of HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, in the Caribbean. We recommend culturally targeted education interventions to improve knowledge about HPV vaccination and the link between HPV and cervical cancer.

Referring high-risk individuals for lung cancer screening: A systematic review of interventions with healthcare professionals.

This systematic review described the effect of interventions aimed at helping Healthcare Professionals refer high-risk individuals for lung cancer screening. Primary outcomes included: lung cancer detection, screening for lung cancer, lung cancer treatments received and lung cancer mortality. Healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of lung cancer screening served as secondary outcomes. Experimental studies published between January 2016 and 2021 were included. The search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycARTICLES, PsycInfo and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the level of evidence was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading system. Nine studies were included. Nurse navigation, electronic prompts for lung cancer screening and shared decision-making helped improve patient outcomes. Specialist screenings yielded more significant incidental findings and a higher percentage of Lung-RADS 1 results (i.e. no nodules/definitely benign nodules), while Primary Care Physician screenings were associated with higher numbers of Lung-RADS 2 results (i.e. benign nodules with a very low likelihood to becoming malignant). An increase in Healthcare Professionals' knowledge and awareness of lung cancer screening was achieved using group-based learning compared to lecture-based education delivery. The effectiveness of Nurse navigation is evident, as are the benefits of adequate training, shared decision-making, as well as a structured, clear and well-understood referral processes supported by the use of electronic system-incorporated prompts.

Lung Cancer-Specific Mortality Risk and Public Health Insurance: A Prospective Cohort Study in Chongqing, Southwest China.

ObjectiveThe incidence and mortality of lung cancer rank first among malignant tumors, and its long treatment cycle will bring serious economic burdens to lung cancer patients and their families. There are few studies on the prognosis of lung cancer and insurance policies. This article explores the relationship between the lung cancer-specific death and public health insurance, self-paying rate, and the joint effect of public health insurance and self-paying rate.Materials and MethodsA prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted in Chongqing, China from 2013 to 2019. The selected subjects were patients with C33–C34 coded according to the tenth edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), aged 20 years or older. We conduct a subgroup analysis based on public health insurance types and self-paying rates. After following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the chi-square test was used to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with different insurance types and different self-paying rates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between patients with different insurance types, self-paying rates, and lung cancer treatment methods. Finally, the Cox proportional hazard model and the competitive risk model are used to calculate the cumulative hazard ratio of all-cause death and lung cancer-specific death for different insurance types and different self-paying rate groups.ResultsA total of 12,464 patients with lung cancer were included in this study. During the follow-up period (median 13 months, interquartile range 5.6–25.2 months), 5,803 deaths were observed, of which 3,781 died of lung cancer. Compared with patients who received urban resident-based basic medical insurance (URBMI), patients who received urban employee-based basic medical insurance (UEBMI) had a 38.1% higher risk of lung cancer-specific death (Hazard Ratios (HRs) = 1.381, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.293–1.476, P < 0.005), Compared with patients with insufficient self-paying rate, patients with a higher self-paying rate had a 40.2% lower risk of lung cancer-specific death (HRs = 0.598, 95% CI: 0.557–0.643, P < 0.005). Every 10% increase in self-paying rate of URBMI reduces the risk of lung cancer-specific death by 17.6%, while every 10% increase in self-paying rate of UEBMI reduces the risk of lung cancer-specific death by 18.0%.ConclusionsThe National Medical Security Administration should, under the condition of limited medical insurance funds, try to include the original self-paid anti-tumor drugs into the national medical insurance coverage. This can not only reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer patients, but also reduce the family burden of lung cancer patients. On the other hand, high-risk groups should increase their awareness of lung cancer screening and actively participate in the national cancer screening project led by the state.

An Assessment of Physicians’ Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening and International Guidelines Awareness and Adherence: Results From a Thai National Survey

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake is generally low in the Asia Pacific and physicians’ recommendations affect the screening participation.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess Thai physicians’ recommendations for CRC screening, and the awareness of and adherence to international guidelines.MethodsA survey containing questions assessing physicians’ demographic data, screening recommendations, and awareness of the international CRC screening guidelines assessed by clinical vignettes. Independent predictors of physicians’ recommendations for CRC screening were determined by logistic regression analysis.ResultsFive hundred and eighty-sixth of 1,286 (46%) physicians completed the survey, and 58% of them offered CRC screening. The majority of colorectal surgeons (91%) and gastroenterologists (86%) endorsed screening, whereas 35% of primary care physicians recommended screening. The patient’s age was the only factor influencing the physician’s decision to offer CRC screening (OR, 2.75: 95% CI, 1.61–4.67). Colonoscopy was the most recommended modality among specialists, whereas 60% of primary care physicians offered fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs). The guidelines awareness was noted in 81% of participants, with the highest rates among gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. Gastroenterologists were more likely to adhere to the guidelines than surgeons, but both recommended shorter interval surveillance colonoscopy than guidelines recommendations in cases of small hyperplastic rectosigmoid polyps.ConclusionsRecommendations for CRC screening and awareness of guidelines vary among different specialties. A low proportion of primary care physicians recommended screening and colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists recommended shorter intervals for surveillance of small hyperplastic polyp than suggested by guidelines.

Effect of a family-based multimedia intervention on the uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults: A cluster-randomised controlled trial

BackgroundColorectal cancer screening, including faecal immunohistochemical test, is an effective method for detecting colorectal cancer early. Nevertheless, faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian ethnic minorities is low because they have limited knowledge of and face barriers in accessing colorectal cancer screening. Tailored education and appropriate messaging has potential to convey to this population group the importance of colorectal cancer screening. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a family-based multimedia intervention to raise awareness of colorectal cancer screening and increase the uptake of faecal immunochemical tests among South Asian older adults. DesignA cluster-randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group. ParticipantsThree-hundred and twenty dyads of South Asian older adults and their younger family members were recruited at South Asian community centres and non-governmental organisations providing support services to local South Asians in six Hong Kong districts. MethodsGroup allocation of dyads during cluster randomisation was based on the group assignment of the district where they were recruited. The intervention comprised a multimedia health talk, conveying the importance of colorectal cancer screening and support from younger family members in encouraging their older relatives to undergo screening. Site coordinators assisted participants in accessing faecal immunohistochemical test. The primary outcome was increased uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults. Secondary outcomes included younger family members' encouragement of their older relatives to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test and their readiness to assist their relatives with the test. Acceptability of the intervention was measured by dyad satisfaction with the intervention. ResultsThe proportion of older adults participating in faecal immunohistochemical testing was significantly higher among intervention dyads compared with controls (71.8% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001). No significant within-group change was observed on the willingness of younger family members in the intervention group to encourage older adults to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test, nor their readiness to assist older adults in doing so, although a decrease in both outcomes was observed among the control group. Most participants (>86%) were satisfied with the intervention. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian older adults, and the benefit of using a family-based approach in the implementation of cancer screening interventions for these individuals. Implementation of the intervention as a component of usual care within South Asian communities is recommended.Trial registration ISRCTN72829325, 10 July 2018.

Mapping evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana: a scoping review

IntroductionFemale breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally with an estimated 2.3 million new cases in 2020. Due to its rising frequency and high mortality rate in both high- and low-income countries, breast cancer has become a global public health issue. This review sought to map literature to present evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana.MethodsFive databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were searched to identify relevant published studies between January 2012 and August 2021 on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews and the six-stage model by Arksey and O’Malley were used to select and report findings.ResultsOf the 65 articles retrieved, 14 records were included for synthesis. The review revealed varied knowledge levels and practices of breast cancer screening among women across a few regions in Ghana. The knowledge level of women on breast cancer screening was high, especially in breast cancer screening practice. Breast cancer screening practice among women was observed to be low and the most identified barriers were lack of technique to practice breast self-examination, having no breast problem, lack of awareness of breast cancer screening, and not having breast cancer risk. The results further showed that good knowledge of breast cancer screening, higher educational level, increasing age, physician recommendation, and household monthly income were enabling factors for breast cancer screening uptake.ConclusionThis review showed varied discrepancies in breast cancer screening uptake across the regions in Ghana. Despite the benefits of breast cancer screening, the utilization of the screening methods across the regions is very low due to some varied barriers from the different regions. To increase the uptake of breast cancer screening, health workers could employ various strategies such as community education and sensitization on the importance of breast cancer screening.