Knowledge Of Cancer Risk Factors Research Articles

Dental hygienists' knowledge, performance confidence and awareness of importance of assessing oral cancer risk factors.

To assess the knowledge, confidence and awareness of the importance of assessing oral cancer risk among dental hygienists working in Korea and to provide data for the development of theoretical and technical curricula related to oral cancer prevention tasks. Questionnaires were distributed to 195 dental hygienists, recruited from an online posting. Survey questions were related to the study objectives and demographic characteristics of the participants. An independent t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance were performed to determine the relationships between study variables and participant demographic characteristics. Seventy-five percent of the participants agreed that it is necessary to conduct oral cancer risk factor assessment for patients, while 46% agreed it was the duty of dental hygienists. The percentage of participants responding correctly to oral cancer risk factors and to oral cancer characteristics ranged from 98% to 31%. Participants with a master's degree or higher and those with oral cancer education experience were significantly (p < 0.003, p < 0.007, respectively) more aware of the importance of assessing oral cancer risk factors. Participants, who performed non-treatment-related work, had significantly (p < 0.046) greater performance confidence than that of clinicians. In addition, 52.5% of the participants had no prior education in oral cancer and 80.8% agreed that additional education and training were required. To improve dental hygienists' knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, it is important to provide specific knowledge, and an educational curriculum is necessary that allows incorporating medical interviews, visual inspections and palpation for comprehensive assessments.

Understanding of cervical cancer, acceptability of HPV self-collection, and prevalence of HPV in a semi-urban setting in Bangladesh.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has been implemented successfully as an alternative to traditional forms of cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings. Through Bangladesh's current national cervical cancer screening program, only about 10% of the at-risk population is reached. Thus, Bangladesh is an ideal setting to consider HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer prevention efforts. However, the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling has not been evaluated in Bangladesh. We aimed to understand levels of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in a semi-urban Bangladeshi community. Participants were recruited from a local clinic; 164 women completed a cross-sectional questionnaire about attitudes towards screening, and cervical cancer and HPV risk factor knowledge, and provided self-collected cervical samples for high-risk HPV testing. Of the participants, 4.3% tested positive for high-risk HPV and were referred for appropriate follow-up care. Nearly all participants had heard of cervical cancer, though specific knowledge was quite low. Self-sampling for high-risk HPV testing had high rates of acceptability, high rates of convenience, and very little discomfort and embarrassment reported in this study population, making implementing HPV self-sampling as a form of cervical cancer screening in Bangladesh appear feasible.

Knowledge of cancer symptoms and risk factors: A cross-sectional study from a developing country.

The delayed presentation of cancer patients to healthcare facilities for diagnosis is a pressing issue, as late-stage cancer cases are often more challenging to treat effectively. In low-resource settings, such as those with limited access to healthcare facilities, the impact of inadequate awareness of cancer signs and symptoms can be particularly severe. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate public knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms and risk factors in the context of Jordan. This cross-sectional study was conducted among participants from all settings. Data was obtained from an Arabic version of the cancer awareness measure (CAM), which was answered online. It described demographic data and knowledge of cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs, symptoms, and risk factors in recall and recognition-type questions. Participants (n = 1998) completed the questionnaire with a Median age of 35 and an interquartile range of 24. About half (n = 1070) thought that cancer is unrelated to age. Most participants identified breast cancer as the most common cancer among women (81%). Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms significantly differed in the level of knowledge in favor of females. The symptom "unexplained weight loss" was most commonly recognized (66.3%) and "persistent difficulty swallowing" the least (42.6%). As for risk factors, "smoking" was the most identified (76.9%) and "eating less than 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day" was the least (19%), and "doing <30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 times a week" as a close second least (19.95%). Females identified "smoking," "passive smoking," "HPV infection," and "having a close relative with cancer" as risk factors significantly more than males. Those with good economic status were more aware that smoking is a cancer risk factor by 1.51 times compared to those with poor economic status. To enhance early diagnosis and presentation in Jordan, there is a need for increased public awareness of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of cancer. One effective strategy to achieve this goal is to conduct targeted public campaigns that cater to different population groups, such as the youth, to improve their understanding and ensure that the message resonates.

Assessment of breast cancer awareness among female pharmacy students at a university in Turkey

BackgroundFemale breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness among female students at a pharmacy faculty in Turkey.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey study was conducted among female students at the Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy between 2 November and 17 November 2023, in Isparta, Turkey.ResultsThis survey was answered by 237 (74.5%) female students. The median breast cancer risk factors score was 8 (IQR, 5–11), and the median breast cancer symptoms score was 5 (IQR, 2–8). Additionally, the breast cancer risk factors score was 46.16% (mean/max = 8.31/18, SD = 4.33) and the breast cancer symptom score was 58.5% (mean/max = 4.68/8, SD = 2.8). Few of the respondents (26.2%, and 20.3%, respectively) knew breast cancer risk factors such as late menopause, and no childbirth experience. Most respondents correctly answered symptoms of breast cancer, such as a painless and palpable breast lump, indrawing of the nipple, and sudden changes in breast shape (76.8%,44.3%, and 67.1% respectively). The students’ sources of information were medical websites (29.5%), social media (27%), physicians (22.8%), friends & family (14.8%), and pharmacists (5.9%).ConclusionsThis study showed that students’ knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor, but their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Breast cancer awareness courses should be included in faculties. Additionally, more attention should be given to different educational interventions such as social media, television, and brochure distribution.

IJCM_128A: Understanding the Breast Cancer Knowledge, Screening practises and Needs among the women in rural South India: A Community-based mixed method study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in India among women accounting for 13.5% of all cancer cases. One of the leading causes of high breast cancer deaths is poor awareness about risk factors, symptoms and screening leading to the late presentation at an advanced stage. Objectives: 1. To understand the knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors, perceptions and practises of breast cancer screening. 2. To do a need assessment of the people in the community regarding screening of breast cancer. Methodology: A community-based mixed method study was conducted at Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu and primary data was collected from 401 women aged 18-60 years. Structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data to assess the knowledge of breast cancer. The need assessment on screening was done by Focus group discussions (FGD). Mean, median, proportions and chi-square test were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Results: The study found that 71.3% of the women were aware of breast cancer. The women who were aware of breast cancer considered lump in breast (78.3%), pain in one breast (66%) as the common symptoms. Women who were aware of breast cancer reported early menarche (16.8%), late menopause (15.4%), nulliparity (20%) and family history of cancer (49%) as the risk factors of breast cancer. 65% of the women were aware of at least one of the methods of breast cancer screening. More awareness programs, organising screening camps in the village, reducing the cost of screening tests were some of the needs addressed during the FGD. Conclusion: Knowledge of symptoms, risk factors and screening practises of breast cancer were low which necessitates the enhancement of knowledge on breast cancer to reduce the burden in the community.

Assessment of Knowledge of Cancer Risk Factors and Awareness of Early Cancer Warning Signs among University Students

Objective: To predict the level of knowledge about cancer risk factors and the level of awareness of the most common warning symptoms of cancer among university students in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus among university students from different academic disciplines, including medical and non-medical disciplines, using a structured questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: A total of 150 students participated in this study, half of them were non-medical students (51.3%). There was a low level of knowledge of cancer risk factors reported by most of the respondents of both groups. The difference between the responses to risk factors between the medical and non-medical students was found to be statistically significant regarding alcohol consumption (9.6% vs. 13%;&#x0D; p=.004), consumption of processed red meat (12.3% vs. 54.5%; p

Abstract 1001: Association between oral cancer screening and knowledge of head and neck cancer symptoms and risk factors among Arab Americans

Abstract Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) has been increasingly affecting individuals of different ages, significantly contributing to the annual cancer burden in the US. While most HNC cases present at late-stages and are more likely to require aggressive surgical interventions with higher mortality, those who present with premalignant clinical signs or early-stages have a 5-year survival of 70%-90%. Moreover, current HNC public awareness is poor with lack of data on cultural and ethnic minorities. This study evaluated the association between oral cancer screening (OCS) recommendation and receipt and HNC symptoms and risk factors knowledge among Arab Americans in Michigan. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adult Arab Americans conducted between March and July 2023. Surveys were available in English and Arabic per participants preference. Outcome variables were knowledge of three main HNC risk factors—alcohol, cigarette smoking, and HPV— and four of the most common HNC symptoms—nonhealing oral ulcers, dysphagia/odynophagia, voice changes and neck/throat masses—defined as yes/no. OCS was captured as receiving provider-given recommendation for screening and undergoing a screening test (yes/no). Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the associations between OCS and HNC symptoms and risk factor knowledge adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Results: A total of 295 respondents were included in the study, 9% had received recommendation for OCS and 11% had undergone a screening test. In adjusted models, respondents who did not correctly identify nonhealing oral ulcers (aOR=0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.67) as HNC symptoms or HPV (aOR=0.15; 95% CI 0.04-0.55) as risk factor of HNC were less likely to have received provider-given recommendation for OCS compared to those who identified the symptom and risk factor. Similarly, respondents who did not correctly identify nonhealing oral ulcers (aOR=0.13; 95% CI 0.04-0.42), dysphagia or odynophagia (aOR=0.22; 95% CI 0.07-0.70), voice changes (aOR=0.27; 95% CI 0.09-0.81), and neck/throat masses (aOR=0.24; 95% CI 0.06-0.91) as HNC symptoms or HPV (aOR=0.07; 95% CI 0.02-0.29) and alcohol (aOR=0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.58) as HNC risk factors were less likely to have undergone OCS compared to those who identified the symptoms and risk factors. Conclusion: Respondents who reported limited knowledge of HNC symptoms and risk factors were less likely to be exposed to screening recommendations or testing. Combining screening with education on premalignant and early-stage clinical signs and risk factors might facilitate reduction of HNC incidence and late diagnosis. Further interventions are needed to increase Arab Americans education and identification of high-risk groups by their providers. As HNC screening efficacy remains controversial, future efforts should be directed towards deepening our understanding in this area. Citation Format: Nada Al-Antary, Reem Siddiqui, Marissa Gilbert, Lamis Fakhoury, Mrudula Nair, Farzan Siddiqui, Eric Adjei Boakye. Association between oral cancer screening and knowledge of head and neck cancer symptoms and risk factors among Arab Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1001.

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor's degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.

Canadians’ knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths

BackgroundMany untrue statements about cancer prevention and risks are circulating. The objective of this study was to assess Canadians’ awareness of known cancer risk factors and cancer myths (untruths or statements that are not completely true), and to explore how awareness may vary by sociodemographic and cognitive factors.MethodsCancer myths were identified by conducting scans of published, grey literature, and social media. Intuitive-analytic thinking disposition scores included were actively open- and close-minded thinking, as well as preference for intuitive and effortful thinking. A survey was administered online to participants aged 18 years and older through Prolific. Results were summarized descriptively and analyzed using chi-square tests, as well as Spearman rank and Pearson correlations.ResultsResponses from 734 Canadians were received. Participants were better at identifying known cancer risk factors (70% of known risks) compared to cancer myths (49%). Bivariate analyses showed differential awareness of known cancer risk factors (p < 0.05) by population density and income, cancer myths by province, and for both by ethnicity, age, and all thinking disposition scores. Active open-minded thinking and preference for effortful thinking were associated with greater discernment. Tobacco-related risk factors were well-identified (> 90% correctly identified), but recognition of other known risk factors was poor (as low as 23% for low vegetable and fruit intake). Mythical cancer risk factors with high support were consuming additives (61%), feeling stressed (52%), and consuming artificial sweeteners (49%). High uncertainty of causation was observed for glyphosate (66% neither agreed or disagreed). For factors that reduce cancer risk, reasonable awareness was observed for HPV vaccination (60%), but there was a high prevalence in cancer myths, particularly that consuming antioxidants (65%) and organic foods (45%) are protective, and some uncertainty whether drinking red wine (41%), consuming vitamins (32%), and smoking cannabis (30%) reduces cancer risk.ConclusionsWhile Canadians were able to identify tobacco-related cancer risk factors, many myths were believed and numerous risk factors were not recognized. Cancer myths can be harmful in themselves and can detract the public’s attention from and action on established risk factors.

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among Omani women attending a university teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman, and to establish correlations with selected sociodemographic factors.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional study was carried out among Omani women aged 18–50 years old attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, their knowledge of cervical cancer and related risk factors, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening and Pap smear testing.ResultsOf the 380 respondents, 86 and 55% had previously heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing, respectively; however, only 26% were knowledgeable concerning these topics. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with various sociodemographic factors, including marital status and a previous awareness of cervical cancer (odds ratio: > 1, p < 0.05). Only 21% had themselves previously undergone Pap smear testing; however, 75% reported being willing to undergo such screening in future.ConclusionsKnowledge regarding cervical cancer-related risk factors and Pap smear screening was poor among a cohort of Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman. This may play a role in the increased frequency of cervical cancer cases observed in Oman over recent years. As such, a well-structured public education program is recommended to raise awareness of this issue.

Cervical cancer awareness, knowledge, behavioural patterns, and practice of screening and vaccination in females of hilly regions of North India - A hospital-based observational study.

The mainstay of cervical cancer elimination and control is an effective screening and education program. The present study was conducted to assess awareness about cervical cancer, knowledge of cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, screening and vaccination, attitude towards various aspects of cervical cancer, and screening and vaccination practices amongst women of Uttarakhand. The present study was a prospective observational study. A total of 215 patients were recruited from Gynecology OPD, AIIMS, Rishikesh, from January to December 2021, and 195 women meeting the eligibility criterion were finally analyzed based on the KAP questionnaire interview method. The study population had 40% illiterate participants. Of all participants, 87% were aware of cervical cancer as a disease entity, only 0.5% had good knowledge, and 99.5% had poor knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, screening, and vaccination for cervical cancer. 87% showed a favourable attitude. Only 1 out of 195 participants was ever screened previously, and none of them were vaccinated. The main hindrance in the context of hilly or challenging-to-serve areas is mainly the education and information services. The resource allocation to difficult health-inaccessible areas is required to bring a major change in practices for prevention of cervical cancer; this can be dramatically improved by population-based screening and vaccination programs at affordable prices.

The Womb Cancer Awareness Measure (WCAM): development of an instrument to assess public awareness of endometrial cancer

ObjectiveTo develop and test a novel instrument to assess public awareness of endometrial cancer symptoms and risk factors in a UK population.MethodsA 36-item questionnaire was developed through literature review and...

Abstract B100: Using a plant-based diet and exercise to improve outcomes in African American postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer survivors

Abstract Background:  Obese postmenopausal African American (AA) women with breast and endometrial cancer are at increased risk of recurrence. Obesity and aging have been associated with changes in the gut microbiota. Plant-based diets, such as soy isoflavone consumption may protect against breast and endometrial cancer.   Methods:  A mixed-methods, lifestyle intervention study was conducted to evaluate adoption of a whole-food plant-based diet, physical activity, and changes in risk for breast and endometrial cancer among obese, post-menopausal AA women.  We examined acceptability and feasibility of adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet and the effect of the diet on reductions in weight, adiposity, inflammation, circulating estrogen, and gut microbiome profile. Results:  In 5 focus group discussions, 20 AA women described their knowledge of breast and endometrial cancer risk factors, attitude toward a plant-based diet, experience with making lifestyle changes, and preferences for plant-based alternatives to traditional meat-based meals.  This feedback was used to tailor the 4-weeks of plant-based produce boxes provided to the women.  Women report being pleased with the food selections; document adherence to the meals and physical activity with food and exercise tracking.  Gut microbiome analysis is underway. Conclusion:  This study addresses knowledge gaps in breast and endometrial cancer risk and behavioral modifications affecting risk among an obese, post-menopausal AA female population.  The long-term goal of this program of research will shed light on the mechanisms involved in the gut microbiome and the contributions of changes to these systems on declining health. Citation Format: Desiree A. Rivers, Regina Leonis, Zakirah A. Abdul-Hameed, Shaliesh A. Singh, Brian A. Rivers. Using a plant-based diet and exercise to improve outcomes in African American postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B100.

Awareness and knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors among female undergraduates in the university of Ibadan

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common malignancy among women in Africa, it affects women more frequently than any other cancer. There are various risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer, but women are generally found to lack knowledge on this hence leading to late diagnosis of ovarian cancer in most women.&#x0D; Methods: This study employed a cross sectional survey technique and was conducted among female undergraduate staying in the halls of residence in the university of Ibadan. The total student population was 1496. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula and the sample size was 351 students which was allocated proportionally to each hall of residence. The research instrument used for the study is a self-administered questionnaire. Using SPSS, the data were analyzed using the frequency, percentage, and chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05%. The chi-square test of independence was used to investigate the association between the age and awareness of ovarian cancer among females in University of Ibadan’s halls of residence. It was also used to investigate the association between the level of knowledge of ovarian cancer risk factors and symptoms among female staying in Queen Elizabeth II Hall and Obafemi Awolowo Hall of residence. Using SPSS, the data were analyzed using the frequency, percentage, and chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05%.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that 92% of female undergraduate students at the University of Ibadan are well-informed about ovarian cancer and majority of female undergraduates are quite knowledgeable about the symptoms and risks factors of ovarian cancer. The study found that that there is no significant relationship between the ages of the female undergraduate students in University of Ibadan and their awareness of Ovarian cancer and also conclude that there is a significant relationship between the hall of residence of the female undergraduate students in University of Ibadan and their awareness of Ovarian cancer.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has revealed just like every other related study that most female undergraduate have a considerable high knowledge about the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer however the University management should take the advantage of special occasions like world cancer day should do more sensitization on the symptoms and risk factor of ovarian cancer and other type of cancer particularly in halls of residence with lower level of knowledge on ovarian cancer.

Health technologies as innovative tools to prevent cervical cancer in low -and-middle income countries

Introduction: Cervical cancer's mortality and morbidity, as well as the prospect of effective screening-based prevention, make it a critical area of intervention attention. By engaging social support groups in health education, participation in cervical c cancer screening and early diagnosis of the illness in the community is enhanced. In the continuous efforts to enhance cervical cancer prevention, control, and management, technology, and digital health will play a significant role. As a result of mHealth educational activities in this region, knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and information on HPV vaccination improved. By boosting screening rates, raising awareness, and encouraging early diagnosis, mHealth methods can help reduce the symptoms of cervical cancer. These initiatives use mobile technology to give targeted and individualized information, reminders, and support, allowing individuals to be proactive in cervical cancer prevention and screening. Objective: This study shows that e-health interventions can improve cervical cancer screening awareness, intention, and uptake. It indicates that electronics may be used to reach out to poor and medium-income countries as well as minority populations all around the world. Conclusion: The mobile health age has shown promising promise for more efficient health care delivery throughout the world. The term "mobile" connotes the freedom and flexibility to complete any work, anywhere and at any time, as it may be utilized to prevent cervical cancer in women by raising public awareness about Pap smear screening. It is critical to stress that the use of health technology in cervical cancer screening programs should be accompanied by suitable infrastructure, training, and supporting policies to enable long-term sustainability and equal access to services.

1700MO Knowledge of cancer risk factors and risk-reduction in 20 high- and middle-income countries

1700MO Knowledge of cancer risk factors and risk-reduction in 20 high- and middle-income countries

Compliance with public health recommendations of cancer-free female research volunteers: the French Seintinelles study.

Acting on modifiable risk factors can prevent approximately 40% of cancers. Knowing the factors that lead people to adopt healthy behaviors is crucial for designing effective primary prevention campaigns. Our study attempts to provide knowledge in this direction. This cross-sectional study was conducted via the Seintinelles collaborative research platform in a community of women without a personal cancer history, and volunteering to take online questionnaires. We collected data on sociodemographic and health factors, knowledge of cancer risk factors, behaviors, and possible behavior changes (tobacco/alcohol use, diet, body weight, and physical activity) in the last 10years. The study involved 1465 women aged between 18 and 84years. Factors such as young age, living alone, and obesity were associated with some positive or negative behavior changes. Being professionally active and having comorbidities favored certain positive behavior changes, while having dependent children, living in a rural area, and being hospitalized were associated with negative or no change in behaviors. Lack of knowledge about modifiable risk factors for cancer was associated with the non-adoption of various healthy behaviors (consumptions of fruit and vegetables, processed and red meat; physical activity). Only 5.5% of participants currently reported to be compliant with seven public health recommendations (smoking; alcohol, fruit/vegetables, and red/processed meat intakes; body mass index; and physical activity). This study allowed to identify the need to increase the level of knowledge on modifiable risk factors for cancer among the general population and to better clarify the content of prevention messages.

Knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors and human papilloma virus vaccine among Saudi women of childbearing age: A community-based cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveTo examine the knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among Saudi women of childbearing age. MethodsAn anonymous, survey-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. ResultsOverall, 422 participants were included in the current study. Most participants were within the age group of 15–25 years old (42.9%), single (47.9%), and educated with a bachelor's degree (70%). Out of a total of 14 points, the average knowledge score for all participants was 7.3 ± 2.31 (range: 2–14). More than three-quarters of the surveyed participants correctly identified the following risk factors for cervical cancer: multiple sexual partners (78.2%), having weakened immunity (82.7%), infection with HPV (82.9%), and positive family history of cervical cancer (88.9%). Concerning HPV vaccine, 153 (36.3%) participants heard about HPV vaccine and only 20 (4.4%) of them were vaccinated. Only 128 (30.3%) participants stated correctly that 9–13 years old is the best age to start HPV vaccine, whereas 51 (12.1%) participants correctly stated the number of HPV vaccine doses to be three over six months. Overall, 167 (39.6%) participants declined to receive the HPV vaccine. The three most frequently reported reasons included not hearing about HPV vaccine (35.3%), fear from HPV-related side effects (30.5%), and apprehension from HPV vaccine injection (16.2%). Among several socio-demographic characteristics, occupation was statistically significantly associated with knowledge score (p < 0.001), with students in health specialties tended to have the highest knowledge score compared with others. ConclusionMost participants displayed good knowledge about cervical cancer risk factors, but not about HPV vaccine. Very alarmingly, less than 5% of the participants received HPV vaccine and close to 40% of them declined to receive the HPV vaccine. Mechanisms to increase public awareness about HPV vaccine and its acceptance by women are recommended.

Knowledge of cancer risk factors and risk-reduction in high-income countries

According to the International Public Opinion Survey on Cancer 2020, on average, nearly 1 in 3 individuals in high-income countries (HIC) did not engage in risk reduction. Meanwhile, only 1 in 4 individuals reported being aware that eating red and processed meat was a cancer risk factor. We explored relations between risk-reduction behavior and self-perceived knowledge of cancer risk factors in HIC using data from the survey. The average effect of knowledge, and interaction effects with country and risk factor were estimated using a linear model fit. The model included main and two-way interaction terms between the proportion of respondents who knew about a specific risk factor, and risk factor and country. The overall significance of knowledge impact and interaction terms was tested using type III tests in ANCOVA. Based on our analysis, we found that knowledge of cancer risk factors was positively associated with risk reduction in HIC. Every unit increase in the proportion of the population knowledgeable about a cancer risk factor, on average across risk factors and HIC, significantly increases the proportion of people engaging in risk reduction by approximately 16.91%. A significant interaction effect was found between knowledge and country, but not between knowledge and risk factor. Using respondents' non-response options to represent lack of risk factor knowledge Japan had the largest percentage of individuals lacking knowledge about risk factors as well as the largest percentage of individuals not engaging in risk reduction.

Skin cancer screening and sun safety education program for high school students in southern California.

e22505 Background: Decreasing unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during childhood can significantly decrease the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. School-based sun safety curricula have demonstrated efficacy in teaching young adults about the harms of prolonged, unprotected UV exposure and have been effective in increasing safety practices. This project provided a 50-min sun safety curriculum to high school students at a public high school in San Diego, CA just prior to the summer break in 2022. The curriculum addressed skin cancer risk factors, skin protection methods, the benefits of limiting lifetime UV exposure, and methods for performing a skin self exam. The study objective was to assess sun safety knowledge before and after the class, and measure behavior changes three months thereafter when students returned from summer break. Methods: The sun safety classes were taught in groups of 40-60 students across six class periods in June 2022. Students were asked to complete an anonymous pre-participation online survey assessing their knowledge of common skin cancer types and skin cancer risk factors. Students were taught the curriculum over 45 minutes with 5 minutes reserved for questions. Two follow-ups surveys were conducted with the students, one at the end of the class period and a second follow-up three months later. Follow-up surveys assessed retention of knowledge and changes in sun safety behavior. Students had the option of providing a cell phone number so they could be contacted to participate in the second follow-up survey. Results: The curriculum was taught to nine classes of approximately 300 students in a single day across six class periods. A total of 206 students completed the pre-participation survey. At the first follow-up, 95.1% of students completed the post-participation survey and students showed significant improvement in knowledge of common skin cancer types (12.6% pre-participation to 68.9% post-participation), skin cancer risk factors (11.2% pre-participation to 16.8% post-participation), and skin cancer prevention methods (22.8% pre-participation to 45.9% post-participation). For the second follow-up, 128 students provided contact information and the survey had a response rate of 71.5%. After 3 months, students demonstrated retention of knowledge of skin cancer types and risk factors. A majority (87.2%) of students indicated that their use of sunscreen had increased and 57.4% indicated that their use of sun protective barriers had increased over the summer because of this course. Conclusions: This pilot course demonstrates that targeted sun safety education for teenagers before summer break can significantly increase sun safety awareness, adoption of protective behaviors, and knowledge about skin cancer. Such an intervention can promote skin cancer awareness at a young age where behavior changes can decrease lifetime risk of skin cancer.