1
|
Akbari P, Nemati S, Nahvijou A, Bolourinejad P, Forbes L, Zendehdel K. Survey of awareness and beliefs about cancer (ABC) in Tehran Province, Iran. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:579. [PMID: 38734656 PMCID: PMC11088007 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knowledge, attitudes, and practices are essential measures for planning and evaluating cancer control programs. Little is known about these in Iran. METHODS We conducted a population-based interview survey of adults aged 30-70 using the Farsi version of the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer questionnaire in the capital province of Tehran, Iran, 2019. We calculated weighted estimates of levels of cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices to allow for different selection probabilities and nonresponse. We used multivariate logistic regression to understand demographic factors associated with bowel, cervix, and breast screening practices. RESULTS We interviewed 736 men and 744 women. The mean number of recalled cancer warning signs was less than one; 57.7% could not recall any cancer warning signs. Participants recognized 5.6 out of 11 early cancer warning signs and 8.8 of 13 cancer risk factors. Most (82.7%) did not know that HPV infection was a cancer risk factor. Approximately, half had negative attitudes towards cancer treatment, but over 80% had positive attitudes towards the effectiveness of screening for improving survival. Colorectal, breast, and cervical screening rates were 24%, 42%, and 49%, respectively. Higher socioeconomic status increased the odds of taking up screening for cancer. Women aged 60-70 were less likely to report taking up breast and cervical screening than younger women. DISCUSSION The Iranian population has poor awareness and negative attitudes about cancer, and participation in screening programs is low. Public awareness and early detection of cancer should be promoted in Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paria Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Nemati
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azin Nahvijou
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Bolourinejad
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Lindsay Forbes
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Kazem Zendehdel
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
E R, J T, Ek Q, Ss F, E H, G P, Ce P. Canadians' knowledge of cancer risk factors and belief in cancer myths. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:329. [PMID: 38291409 PMCID: PMC10829248 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17832-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many 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. METHODS Cancer 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. RESULTS Responses 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. CONCLUSIONS While 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rydz E
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Telfer J
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Quinn Ek
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Fazel Ss
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Holmes E
- Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pennycook G
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Peters Ce
- School of Population and Public Health, CAREX Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elshami M, Ismail IO, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ghithan RJ, Usrof FD, Qawasmi MAM, Okshiya HM, Shurrab NRS, Mahfouz II, Fannon AA, Hawa MRM, Giacaman N, Ahmaro M, Zaatreh RK, AbuKhalil WA, Melhim NK, Madbouh RJ, Hziema HJA, Lahlooh RAA, Ubaiat SN, Jaffal NA, Alawna RK, Abed SN, Abuzahra BNA, Kwaik AJA, Dodin MH, Taha RO, Alashqar DM, Mobarak RAAF, Smerat T, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2370. [PMID: 38031084 PMCID: PMC10688078 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discussion about breast cancer (BC) causation continues to be surrounded by a number of myths and misbeliefs. If efforts are misdirected towards reducing risk from false mythical causes, individuals might be less likely to consider and adopt risk-reducing behaviors for evidence-based BC causes. This national study aimed to assess the awareness of BC causation myths and misbeliefs among Palestinian women, and examine the factors associated with having good awareness. METHODS This national cross-sectional study recruited adult women from government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. The level of awareness of BC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-5), fair (6-10), or good (11-15). RESULTS A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. Only 269 participants (5.1%) demonstrated good awareness (i.e., recognizing more than 10 out of 15 BC mythical causes). There were no notable differences in displaying good awareness between the main areas of Palestine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Jerusalem (5.1% vs. 5.1%). Having chronic disease as well as visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Myths related to food were less frequently recognized as incorrect than food-unrelated myths. 'Eating burnt food' was the most recognized food-related myth (n = 1414, 26.9%), while 'eating food containing additives' was the least recognized (n = 599, 11.4%). 'Having a physical trauma' was the most recognized food-unrelated myth (n = 2795, 53.2%), whereas the least recognized was 'wearing tight bra' (n = 1018, 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS A very small proportion of Palestinian women could recognize 10 or more myths around BC causation. There is a substantial need to include clear information about BC causation in future educational interventions besides focusing on BC screening, signs and symptoms, and risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | | | - Faten Darwish Usrof
- Department of a Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza City, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Manar Ahmaro
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nour Ali Jaffal
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tasneem Smerat
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, Palestine
| | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Faury S, Aurouet P, Quintard B, Foucaud J. A Systematic Review on Reporting of Methods in National Surveys about Adults' Attitudes to Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors for Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095755. [PMID: 37174272 PMCID: PMC10177829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The risks of developing cancer are significantly affected by our lifestyle and environment. While there are several uncontrollable risk factors, we can modify our lifestyle and our environment to reduce the increased threat of cancer. This systematic review aims to evaluate the methodological assessment used to evaluate attitudes about cancer risk factors among the general population. Two researchers independently screened the articles for inclusion and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists were used to assess the methodology of the included studies. Thirty-one manuscripts met the inclusion criteria with a majority of them focusing on attitudes to several cancer risk factors and six on specific cancer location risk factors. This systematic review highlights the diversity of notions used around attitudes and methods used in the method of administering the survey, as well as the format of the questions and the response scales. It is thus difficult to compare data between different countries. However, cancer is a global problem. Harmonizing methods could allow a comparison of data between countries. Recommendations to this effect are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Faury
- Institut National du Cancer (INCa), Research in Social & Human Sciences, Public Health and Epidemiology Department, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Laboratory of Psychology EA 4139, 33405 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philémon Aurouet
- Institut National du Cancer (INCa), Research in Social & Human Sciences, Public Health and Epidemiology Department, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Bruno Quintard
- Laboratory of Psychology EA 4139, 33405 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérôme Foucaud
- Institut National du Cancer (INCa), Research in Social & Human Sciences, Public Health and Epidemiology Department, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Health Education and Practices Laboratory (LEPS EA 3412), Paris 13 University-UFR SMBH, 93017 Bobigny, France
| |
Collapse
|