Knowledge Of Cancer Risk Research Articles

Young Black Women's Breast Cancer Knowledge and Beliefs: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed MethodsStudy.

Black women under the age of 50 have a 111% higher breast cancer mortality rate than their White counterparts. The breast cancer mortality disparities among young Black women may be due in part to the fact that they are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, invasive breast cancer tumors. Psychosocial factors, such as lack of perceived risk for breast cancer, lack of awareness of breast cancer risk factors, and ambiguity about breast cancer screening guidelines are areas that are under investigated among young Black women. The purpose of this study was to identify young Black women's cancer beliefs and level of breast cancer risk knowledge. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted using quantitative data from the Health Information Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6) (n = 25) and qualitative data from interviews with young Black female college students (n = 13). The results of the quantitative data analysis were used to guide the development of the qualitative interview guide. Data regarding participants' cancer beliefs, cancer risk factor knowledge, perceived cancer risk, and ambiguity about cancer screening behaviors were analyzed. The findings indicated young Black women have low perceived risk of developing cancer. Most participants were not aware of cancer recommendations that were targeted towards women under the age of 40. In addition, knowledge about lifestyle behavior risk factors for breast cancer was relatively low. Our findings underscore the importance of developing, disseminating, and implementing breast cancer education interventions that are targeted towards young Black women.

Patient-reported outcomes, and perceptions and knowledge about recurrence in women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Over half of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer recurrences occur >5years from diagnosis, however, little is known about well-being or breast cancer risk perceptions and knowledge in long-term HR+ breast cancer survivors. From 1/2021 to 1/2022, we surveyed patients with a history of stage II/III, HR+ breast cancer, ≥5years from diagnosis, without recurrence about concerns and perceptions related to their diagnosis and recurrence risk, physical and emotional health, knowledge, and risk reduction. Logistic regression identified factors associated with overestimation of 5-10year distant recurrence risk. Among 166 women, median age at diagnosis was 51, 2.4% were Black and 1.2% Hispanic; 19.3% did not have a college degree. Median time from diagnosis was 10years (range: 5-23). Median PROMIS anxiety (53; range: 37-73), physical (51, range: 32-68), and mental (51, range: 25-68) scores were similar to population norms (score of 50). 40% of women estimated metastatic recurrence risk to be ≥20% 5-10years post-treatment; patients without a college degree were more likely to overestimate this risk (multivariable prevalence odds ratio: 3.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.49, 9.18). Only 17% correctly indicated HR+ breast cancer as having a higher risk of recurrence after 5years; over one-third inaccurately responded that alcohol in moderation decreases recurrence risk. While physical and emotional health were comparable to the general population, many survivors harbored inaccurate risk perceptions and knowledge. The association between lower educational attainment and risk overestimation underscores the importance of attention to literacy and numeracy when developing interventions to improve risk communication.

Assessing the acceptability and appropriateness of a psychoeducational graphic novel about inherited cancer risk designed for men.

Men with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at an increased lifetime risk for developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Men report that managing clinical care is challenging because they are under-informed about their cancer risks. As the demand for genetic testing has increased, so too has the need to relay accurate and relatable genetic health information. This research developed and assessed the acceptability and appropriateness of a psychoeducational graphic novel designed for men to improve their cancer risk knowledge, manage their cancer-related uncertainty, and increase their intent to disclose their BRCA1/2 risks to family members and healthcare providers. Through purposive and snowball sampling, men (n = 20) and certified genetic counselors (CGCs; n = 15) participated in semi-structured interviews assessing the acceptability and appropriateness of the graphic novel. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Both reported that the graphic novel confirmed risk information provided helpful resources, included relatable storylines, and had a unique visual appeal. Some men remained unsure about how to perform recommended screenings and how to talk to family members, particularly children, about BRCA1/2 test results after assessing the graphic novel. CGCs also discussed the helpfulness of the graphic novel for their practice. Given that this psychoeducational graphic novel was appealing to men and CGCs, it shows promise as an acceptable approach that may assist men in managing their cancer risks and communicating their genetic risk information to family members and healthcare providers.

Knowledge of esophageal cancer and preventive behaviors among nursing students – a cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. There is a gap in nursing student understanding, knowledge, and preventive behaviors concerning esophageal cancer. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, risk factors, and preventive behaviors among Turkish nursing students. Material and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed. The questionnaire was conducted online over a four-month period. A convenience sample of 688 undergraduate nursing students was recruited from health science faculty at three universities in Türkiye. The survey was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The reliability coefficients of the knowledge test were calculated, yielding Cronbach’s alpha (0.952), KR-20 (0.952), and KR-21 (0.945), respectively. A significance level p<0.05 was accepted. Results. The mean age of the study group was 20±1.86 (min: 17, max: 32). The study group consists of 487 women (70.8%) and 201 men (29.2%). Most of the study population report never using alcohol and smoking (88.4%, 73.1%, respectively), and reported paying attention to oral hygiene (88.5%). Nursing students had a low family history of EC (0.4%), obesity (10.2%), and vitamin deficiency (19.2%) which are risk factors. Knowledge of esophageal cancer risks was low (x̄=14.34±9.53; Min=0; Max=31). Total knowledge scores have higher for students with complaints of EC, vitamin deficiency, and diagnosis of Human Papilloma Virus disease (p<0.05). Conclusion. This study showed that there are significant gaps in the knowledge of nursing students and these need to be addressed through an improved nursing curriculum. In this context, the study can be used as important evidence and a resource in the issues that should be given priority to in the training and research needed to increase the knowledge and awareness of future nurses about esophageal cancer.

Anal cancer risk and HPV infection knowledge and awareness among Hispanic persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico.

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher risk of persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal cancer. We evaluated knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and risk factors for anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico (PR). Data from a cross-sectional study (2020-2021) were analyzed (n=212). Inclusion criteria included PLWH, aged ≥ 26 years, and living in PR. Telephone interviews collected information on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Two 13-item scales were used to assess knowledge of HPV and anal cancer risk factors; adequate knowledge for both scales were defined as scoring >70%. Logistic regression models using generalized linear models were used to determine the association between 1) HPV infection awareness, 2) HPV infection knowledge, and 3) Anal cancer risk factors knowledge. The median age was 54 years (IQR: 46,58), 67.5% were male, 71.7% reported having an income <$20,000, and 54.3% had an education level of more than high school. HPV awareness was high (82.1%), but only 40.2% and 3.8% had adequate knowledge of HPV and anal cancer risk factors, respectively. In adjusted logistic regression models, men who have sex with men (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.07-1.47) and women (OR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.15-1.59) aged ≥50 years had higher odds of HPV awareness than heterosexual men in that age group. Moreover, those with history of anal Pap test aged <50 years had more HPV awareness (OR 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.66) than their counterparts. Adequate HPV knowledge was higher among participants with an education level of more than high-school (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.10-1.50) and with a history of HPV diagnosis (OR:1.33, 95%CI: 1.08-1.65) than their counterparts. In addition, people with good/very good/excellent health perception had higher odds of HPV knowledge (OR:1.23, 95%CI: 1.03-1.47) than those who reported poor/regular health perception. For anal cancer risk factors, PLWH for ≥15 years had increased odds of having adequate knowledge (OR:1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.14) than their counterparts. Despite high awareness of HPV, limited knowledge about HPV and anal cancer risk factors was observed among PLWH. Results from our study highlight the need for educational efforts within this population as an anal cancer prevention strategy.

Evaluation of Oral Cancer Risk and Common Knowledge Levels of the People Living in Eastern Anatolia

Aim: It was aimed to determine whether individuals from a sample consisting of both the public and healthcare professionals have predisposing factors for oral cancer and to learn about their thoughts on oral cancer. Materials and Methods: 784 individuals aged 18-70 years living in Van and neighboring provinces who did not have any physical or mental disability to fill out the online questionnaire were included in the study. For the comparison of categorical variables between groups, the Chi-Square test was utilized. A significance level of p &lt; .05 was considered. Results: Out of 784 participants, 45.5% (356) were female, 54.1% (424) were male, and 0.4% (4) chose not to specify their gender. Regarding age distribution, 85.7% (672) of participants were aged of 40. Out of the participants in the questionnaire, 297 individuals (37.9%) are employed as healthcare professionals, while 487 individuals (62.1%) belong to other occupational groups. Additionally, among the participants, 28 participants (3.6%) who are elementary school graduates, 112 participants (14.3%) who are high school graduates, 587 participants (74.9%) who hold a university degree, and 51 individuals (6.5%) who have completed postgraduate or doctoral-level education. Conclusion:Efforts to raise awareness among the public through various mass communication tools, social media, and the dedication of healthcare professionals will have a positive impact on the prognosis of oral cancers, which can cause various defects in terms of function, aesthetics, and functionality.

Overweight and obese women’s symptoms, knowledge, and preferences regarding endometrial biopsy for endometrial cancer detection: A threshold technique survey

BackgroundThe incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) in the United States continues to rise, driven mainly by the obesity epidemic. We sought to determine overweight and obese women’s cancer risk knowledge and preferences regarding diagnostic endometrial biopsy (EMB) for EC detection. MethodsAn online survey was administered to overweight and obese women without EC recruited through the electronic medical record’s online patient portal. Baseline questions queried gynecologic history, cancer risk knowledge, and factors potentially influencing decision-making for EMB. We used the threshold survey technique to identify the minimum acceptable risk (MAR) threshold at which each respondent would be willing to undergo an EMB to detect EC. ResultsOf 357 respondents (median age 45 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 38–54); median BMI 39 [IQR: 36.0–44.6]), fewer than half (48.7 %) were aware that obesity is a risk factor for EC, and 10 % considered their risk of EC to be high. Almost half (42 %) of respondents reported MAR thresholds characterized as very low (0–1 %), and these were more common among respondents with higher BMIs. Forty percent identified their weight as a factor influencing their MAR threshold decision, while 76 % identified their perceived personal risk as a factor. Less than half cited immediate risks of the procedure. ConclusionMany patients reported being willing to undergo an EMB at very low risk thresholds for EC. Perceived personal risk is a stronger factor in decision-making than immediate procedural risks. Providers should focus on communicating patients’ risk to motivate EMB to detect EC where appropriate.

Abstract C106: Association between cancer risk perception and patient-centered communication and cervical cancer screening behavior among African Americans (AA) and Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SAI) women

Abstract Background- Black women in the US have disproportionately higher mortality and shortest survival than any ethnic or racial group for cervical cancer. Many factors contribute to the elevated cancer burden, including cancer risk perceptions and knowledge as well as patient centered communication behaviors that may influence cervical cancer screening uptake. Misperceptions of cancer risk and limited knowledge may decrease the use of preventive cancer screening. In addition, patients who encounter clinicians who practice communication not reflective of patient-centeredness may be less likely to participate in regular cancer screening. The aim of this study was to determine if cervical screening uptake among Black women was associated with cancer risk perceptions and knowledge and clinician communication behavior. Methods- We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Black women (African Americans (AA) and sub-Saharan African (SAI) recruited from Lexington, KY and surrounding towns. Data included sociodemographics, measures of cancer perceptions, and patient-centered communication. The chi-squared test of association and multiple linear regression were used to assess the unadjusted and adjusted associations among cancer risk perceptions and knowledge, patient-centered communication, and receipt of pap test. Data analysis was conducted using SAS, version 9.4 with an alpha of .05. Results- In the sample of 116 Black women who were age appropriate for pap screening (n = 48 SAI; n = 68 AA), nearly two-thirds had received a pap test (63%) in concordance with guidelines. Compared to those who had not had a pap, women who had received a pap test endorsed the statement ‘it seems like everything causes cancer (p=.006),’ while fewer agreed ‘when I think about cancer, I automatically think about death (p&amp;lt;.001)’. Both responses remained significant after adjusting for age, ethnicity, health insurance status and having a primary care provider. A higher proportion of women agreed with the six patient-centered communication items in the bivariate analysis, and remained significant in the adjusted modeling for the responses to the following three items: 1) During the past 12 months, how often did doctors, nurses, or other health professionals give you the chance to ask all the health-related questions you had?; 2) In the past 12 months, how often did you feel you could rely on doctors, nurses, or other health professionals to take care of your health care needs?; and 3) During the past 12 months, how often did doctors, nurses, or other health professionals make sure you understood the things you needed to do to take care of your health? Conclusion- Evaluation of cancer risk perceptions and patient-centered communication provide useful guidance for the development of interventions for Black women. Future research should target Black women that have misperceptions of cancer risk and limited knowledge for cervical cancer awareness. Clinicians should practice communication reflective of patient-centeredness to promote cervical cancer screening behavior. Citation Format: Adebola Adegboyega, Amanda Wiggins, Mark Dignan. Association between cancer risk perception and patient-centered communication and cervical cancer screening behavior among African Americans (AA) and Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SAI) women [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 C106.

Assessment of breast cancer risk perception, knowledge, and breast self-examination practices among market women in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, particularly in low-medium-income countries (LMICs). Evidence shows that breast self-examination (BSE) is culturally acceptable, religiously friendly and inexpensive. This study assessed BC risk perception, knowledge and breast self-examination practices among market women in Ondo State, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among market women in 3 selected markets in Owo. A semi-structured interview-based questionnaire was used to collect data. The instrument consisted of five sections based on the objective of the study. Selection of the study participants was done using a multistage sampling technique. The test–retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Participants knowledge and practices were categorised into good (≥ 50% total score) and poor (< 50% total score) while risk perception was grouped into high (≥ 50% total score) and low (< 50% total score).Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a p value < 0.05 for determining statistical significance.ResultsA total of 335 respondents completed the study and the mean age ± S.D. was 37.19 ± 9.19 years (range: 18–65 years). 47.5% of respondents were Christian while 60.0% of the respondents were married. 15.5% had tertiary education, and more than two-thirds were from the Yoruba tribe. More than two-thirds (78.5%) of the participants stated that they practiced breast self-examination, while 58.5% reported to have been taught how to perform BSE. 75.8% agreed that the use of injectable contraception or oral pills can result in BC, while 75.8% also agreed that women of reproductive age are at risk of BC. Less than 50% mentioned that they were uncomfortable taking off clothes in front of health professionals during the examination. The perceived risk of BC showed that 221 (65.97%), and 114 (34.03%) of respondents had high, and low levels of perceived risk of BC, respectively. However, 184 (54.93%) and 151 (45.07%) of the respondents had good and poor knowledge. The majority (139, 41.49%) of the respondents had poor BSE practice. Age (p = 0.023), educational qualifications (p < 0.001), average income per month (p < 0.001) and ethnicity (p = < 0.001) were statistically associated with knowledge of breast self-examination while religion (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.01), educational qualification (p = 0.001) and distance from facility (p = 0.009) were statistically associated with perceived risk of BC. Participants’ educational qualification (p = 0.006) and ethnicity (p = 0.013) were statistically associated with practice of BSE. Good knowledge was also identified as a significant predictor of good practice of participants among the women (95%CI: 4.574 (2.841–7.365), p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study identified high level of perception, good knowledge and good practice of BSE among majority of the market women in Owo Town. Interventions and extensive health education on BSE with the aim of creating positive awareness and understanding of BSE among the population should be encouraged.

Alcohol availability, consumption, and knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk among citizens of Warsaw

Alcohol availability, consumption, and knowledge of alcohol-related cancer risk among citizens of Warsaw

Psychometric Validation of the Patient Anal Cancer Knowledge Scale (PACKS) in a Cohort of Black and Hispanic/Latino Sexual and Gender Diverse Young Adults.

Lack of anal cancer information in priority populations is a major barrier to the uptake and utilization of prevention services. A validated measure of anal cancer knowledge is needed to inform patient education and shared clinical decision-making for anal cancer prevention. The purpose of this study was to validate the Patient Anal Cancer Knowledge Scale (PACKS) in a sample of GBM, namely Black and Hispanic gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) and gender expansive young adults (aged 18-30 years) living in the USA (N=188). Anal cancer knowledge was hypothesized as a 3-factor scale representing (1) risk and primary prevention (9 items), (2) symptoms (5 items), and (3) screening (3 items). Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and criterion validity were assessed. The 3-factor model demonstrated adequate fit (RMSEA=0.02; CFI=0.99). All items loaded on their respective factors (p<0.01). Scale scores indicated low to moderate anal cancer knowledge and acceptable reliability: factor 1 (M=3.5; SD=2.3; range: 0-9; α=.71), factor 2 (M=2.9; SD=1.9; range: 0-5; α=.85), and factor 3 (M=2.0; SD=1.2; range: 0-3; α=.79). History of HPV vaccination (51.3%) was positively correlated with factors 1 and 2. The PACKS demonstrated good construct validity related to knowledge of anal cancer risk, prevention, symptoms, and screening. Limited anal cancer knowledge among Black and Hispanic GBM is a potential barrier to the uptake and utilization of prevention recommendations.

The relationship between health sciences students' knowledge of cancer and behavioral styles

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge of cancer and behavioral styles of health sciences faculty students registered at a state university. Method: The study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The study sample consisted of 1204 students at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a state university in Istanbul during the 2018-2019 fall semester. The Questionnaire Form and Miller Behavioral Style Scale (MBSS) were administered to the students. The data were evaluated using the SPSS package program in the computer environment. Results: The students’ mean age was 20.74±2.603. It was determined that at least one relative of 32.2% of the students had cancer, grandfathers mostly had cancer, and lung cancer was the most common cancer. A statistically significant difference was found upon examining the knowledge of cancer risks and early diagnosis methods of the students with and without a family history of cancer. The mean MBSS score was found to be 6.49±4.085 for students with a family history of cancer, and 5.97±4.092 for students without a family history of cancer. There was a significant difference when statistically comparing the mean MBSS scores of the students with and without a family history of cancer. Conclusion: Students with a family history of cancer were more knowledgeable about cancer risk factors and early diagnosis methods and applied early diagnosis methods such as mammography, clinical breast examination, and endoscopic examinations. Furthermore, the mean MBSS scores of students with a family history of cancer were higher than those without a family history of cancer.

Cervical cancer risk factors, knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccine among coastal Kenyan women: A prospective cross-sectional survey.

e22515 Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite being a preventable disease. Currently, there is a global rolling out of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among young girls. However, the knowledge and attitude of Cervical Cancer and the HPV vaccine remain unknown among women in SSA. Methods: We conducted a voluntary cross-sectional survey among adult women attending the cervical and breast cancer screening during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2022 at the Coast General Teaching Referral Hospital Regional Cancer Center, Kenya. The demographic, cervical cancer risk factors, knowledge, and attitudes to the HPV vaccine data were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: Two hundred and fifty women participated in the survey, of which 48% were native coastal people. Their mean age was 39.3 ±12.4, and the majority (61%) of the participants were married. The most common age onset of sexual intercourse was 21-30 years (50%), followed by 16-20 years (41%), while 7% were virgins, and a quarter (n = 67) reported having multiple sexual partners. Most (90%) of the participants knew screening and early detection of cervical cancer are associated with better survival. Nevertheless, only a third had been screened previously for cervical cancer. Concerning the cause of cervical cancer, half of the patients (n = 126) knew cervical cancer is caused by HPV, and only 45% (n = 111) were aware of the free national HPV vaccination program, with only 5 participants having been vaccinated against HPV. The most commonly sighted reason for not being vaccinated was lack of knowledge of the HPV vaccine's existence (50%), a third was afraid of the vaccine’s side effects, 10% was due to lack of access, and 3%- were due to the vaccine’s age limit. With regards to the willingness to be vaccinated if they had qualified and the HPV vaccine is available for free, only two-thirds were willing to be vaccinated. However, most (90%) would recommend it to young girls. The few who would not recommend the vaccine to young girls were due to fear and lack of knowledge about the vaccine (73%). Conclusions: There is an unmet need for awareness and understanding of the HPV vaccine, and sensitization is needed to improve its uptake. In addition, it will be worth reviewing the age limit of HPV vaccination among Kenyan women as most women are sexually active after 20 years.

Abstract 71: Regional College Women in the United States (U.S.) Report Low Health Literacy Regarding Basic Genital Biology and Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Abstract Purpose: Oncogenic genital diseases, triggered by genital dysbiosis and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, can be prevented by improved health literacy in women. However, uptake of preventative strategies such as the HPV vaccine, are low in some U.S. communities (&amp;lt;50%). This study evaluated health literacy (language framing for and understanding of) basic genital biology and cervical cancer risk factors in U.S. college women. Methods: English-speaking undergraduates (n=36) at public (mostly Texas) and private (mostly California) institutions, self-directed to participate in individual, structured interviews via video or phone. Data transcripts were analyzed and scored for thematic responses to open-ended questions. Results: Over 80% of women wanted to know more about genital biology (“what is normal”) and cancer prevention. Individual understanding of genital biology and cervical cancer risk factors was low (scoring range from 0 = know nothing to 5 = understanding a lot). Knowledge (mean +/- SD) about normal vaginal bacterial physiology, and cervical cancer risk factors, both scored very low at only 1 +/- 1. Over 2/3 of women lacked the words and/or agency to describe genital symptoms without stress to healthcare providers. About 1/3 of women had no ability to list any cervical cancer risk factors, with most in this group not recalling any prior genital health education. Recurrent barriers to improved health literacy included: 1) belief that information lacked pertinence to them based on faith or culture, 2) inhibited care-seeking due to privacy issues (e.g. family insurance or campus clinics), 3) misinformation about genital biology or cancer causes, and 4) poor willingness or opportunity to discuss genital health with providers. The most requested change to genital healthcare was a desire for a biology curriculum taught from a functional perspective (for greater accessibility across faiths and cultures) with closer implementation to college and sexual debut. Conclusions: Knowledge of genital biology and cervical cancer risks was low in this group of U.S. college women (mean score 1/5 for some aspects). Prevention of genital cancers requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses genital biology, while accepting varied social determinants of health and diverse domains of influence for women across the U.S. Citation Format: Joanna Ellington, Dennis Clifton, Jenny Fremlin, Erisa Stokes, Jessica Shuster. Regional College Women in the United States (U.S.) Report Low Health Literacy Regarding Basic Genital Biology and Cervical Cancer Risk Factors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 71.

Comparison of Patient and Provider Practices between Bone Marrow and Solid Organ Transplantation Programs for Patient Education on Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy following transplantation are at risk for skin cancer owing to dampened tumor surveillance. As long-term immunotherapy is necessary to prevent graft rejection, transplantation providers and recipients are expected to perform regular surveillance for the development of suspicious lesions, and recipients are encouraged to practice preventative sun safe behaviors. No consensus exists regarding the timing of full body skin exams, and despite the well-established risk, patient education is not always prioritized. We investigated whether differences exist between bone marrow transplant (BMT) and organ transplant (OT) recipients and their providers regarding prevention and screening. We distributed surveys to adult and pediatric BMT and OT recipients, as well as their providers, at a single academic institution. Results were evaluated using the chi-square test. The survey results show that most BMT recipients (69%) and OT recipients (77%) were aware of their increased risk for skin cancer, but despite this knowledge, only 13% of patients overall reported using sunscreen, 29% reported reapplying sunscreen, and 48% reported wearing sun protective clothing. Most OT recipients (63%) reported never having a total body skin exam, whereas only 34% BMT recipients reported having a total body skin exam every 6 months (P=.006). BMT providers recommended a total body skin exam every 6 or 12 months (44.4% each), and OT providers recommended a total body skin exam every 12 months (58.3%). Only 11.1% of BMT providers and 8.3% of OT providers reported performing a total body skin exam at each visit. Despite results indicating widespread patient knowledge of skin cancer risk, most patients do not practice adequate prevention. Inclusion of a transplantation dermatologist in the care team or use of risk stratification tools by providers may help streamline timely referrals to Dermatology.

Determination of Skin Cancer Risk Levels, Risk Perceptions, and Knowledge and Behaviors of Agricultural Workers

Determination of Skin Cancer Risk Levels, Risk Perceptions, and Knowledge and Behaviors of Agricultural Workers

Lightning Can Strike Twice: A National Partnership Promoting Breast Health among Women with Disabilities.

Women with disabilities are less likely to receive recommended screenings for breast cancer, which is often related to lack of knowledge about screening. Lightning Can Strike Twice was a project aimed at understanding barriers and improving knowledge about breast cancer screening among this population in the National Capital Region. We describe a partnership between national organizations and an academic institution that provided educational workshops and coaching sessions to increase knowledge of breast cancer screening among this population in this region. Twenty-two workshops and 56 coaching sessions were offered from 2017 to 2019. Presession surveys were used to collect data on participant demographics and barriers and postsession evaluations were used to determine improved knowledge and likelihood of scheduling a future screening. A total of 299 women attended the workshops and 56 women were coached over the 2-year project period. Preworkshop surveys assessed demographics and barriers among workshop participants and highlighted the need for education on obtaining a screening. Postworkshop evaluations showed that most participants strongly agreed that their understanding of the benefits of screening had increased and that they were more likely to schedule a screening. The national partners were able to address the lack of knowledge of breast cancer risks and screening among this population and identify future opportunities within the targeted community.

Training medical students to promote preventive colorectal cancer screening in Egypt

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer screening identifies pre-cancerous lesions and polyps earlier, affording more treatment options and higher survivability. Screening is especially important in Egypt, where there are no national colorectal cancer screening guidelines; physicians typically order colonoscopy only after patients are symptomatic, and younger-age CRC rates (ages 30–49 years) are higher. We designed and implemented a pilot training program for a colorectal cancer screening intervention wherein we recruited and trained medical students as ‘Health Champions’ to provide one-on-one education to patients about the disease and distribute no-cost vouchers for fecal occult blood test kits. Health Champions then reported results to patients and encouraged those with abnormal results to follow-up for a no-cost colonoscopy and subsequent cancer treatment, if indicated. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed the Health Champions’ colorectal cancer awareness, confidence levels, and abilities regarding patient communication and promotion of behavior change. Participants received three days of training before implementation in Alexandria, Egypt. Thirteen participants completed Health Champion training, half of whom were second-year medical students. Between December 2019 and March 2020, Health Champions demonstrated what they learned by recruiting 117 asymptomatic patients and providing them with education and screening kit vouchers. There were increases of 46.1% in Health Champions’ knowledge of colorectal cancer risks, 35.7% in knowledge of screening options, and 57.1% in awareness of treatment options for colorectal cancer post-training. This feasibility training pilot successfully increased Health Champions’ knowledge and skills associated with initiating and supporting health behavior changes while familiarizing them with initiating preventive screenings for patients.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Practice among Women in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the level of current knowledge regarding breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. We assessed the knowledge of breast cancer risks, the knowledge regarding the BSE and mammogram in Saudi Arabian females using a survey-based study.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey to assess the knowledge and practice of Saudi women toward Brest cancer examination. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS program.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total number of 499 surveys were collected. The data showed that there was general lack of practice of BSE in the sample only 186 (37%) reported that they practiced regular BSE and only 16 (3%) reported that they went to the clinic for breast examination. Among all participants around 54% had poor overall knowledge of breast cancer 65% had poor knowledge regarding breast cancer risk and 93% had poor knowledge regarding clinical examination. Surprisingly, 56% had good knowledge regarding the clinical picture of breast cancer.&#x0D; Conclusion: This clearly showed that the lack of breast self-examination, mammogram and clinical examination is not a result of total lack of knowledge but due to lack of knowledge regarding risks and examination. This set of data provide a guideline for the focus and planning of future breast cancer awareness campaigns.

S259 Patients With Advanced Colorectal Polyps Have Poor Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Screening Recommendations for Their First-Degree Relatives

S259 Patients With Advanced Colorectal Polyps Have Poor Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Screening Recommendations for Their First-Degree Relatives