Assessment of Knowledge and Screening in Oral, Breast, and Cervical Cancer in the Population of the Northeast Region of India

Abstract

PURPOSE The burden of cancer is increasing globally, with poor outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality in patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Lack of awareness of the risk factors, symptoms, and signs of common cancers in addition to inadequate cancer prevention programs at the community level are a major hindrance to the early detection of cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the North East Region (NER) of India, with a sample population of 1,400 participants from Assam (n = 1,000), Meghalaya (n = 200), and Nagaland (n = 200). The questionnaire developed for the study consisted of sociodemographic profile, knowledge about cancer (oral, breast, and cervical), its warning signs, risk factors, and attitude toward cancer screening. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 13.0. RESULTS Among all the participants, 59% had heard about oral cancer, 50% about breast cancer, and 31% about cervical cancer. A limited understanding of risk factors, symptoms, and signs was reported for oral cancer (45%), breast cancer (54%), and cervical cancer (63%). A total of 34% of participants were aware of cancer screening. Among those who were aware of cancer screening, only six people had undergone any form of cancer screening, and 71% cited media as the major source of information. CONCLUSION The level of cancer awareness is low in the NER. A multipronged approach is needed with assistance from government and nongovernment organizations for training, providing adequate human resources and equipment, and developing cancer screening infrastructure. This needs to be coupled with mass media communication and interpersonal communication through frontline health workers.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Gender Differences and Influence of Social Media Engagement on Breast Cancer Knowledge among Delhi-NCR Population in India

“…Men were having less knowledge about breast cancer than women that is consistent with earlier study. (1) This difference may also be due to the fact that breast cancer is not affecting men directly so much, (4) so they would have shown less interest in breast cancer information available on social media. Furthermore, this study finding suggests that a very good percentage of the participants were married (87%) that might have resulted in higher knowledge of breast cancer coming through social media.…”

“…Breast cancer is a global burden (1) and it is the most common cancer among women of India. (2) Poor level of awareness of the disease is one factor among others causing advance diagnosis and eventually death (2,3) especially in developing countries like India.…”

A Review on Current Scenario of Oral Cancer in India With Special Emphasis on Modern Detection Systems and Biomarkers

“…Computed IPCL pattern analysis of oral lesions. Generation of Raman Spectroscopy subjected to computer analysis [7]. Microscopy *Histopathology *Cytopathology…”

“…More than 70% deaths due to cancer occurred in productive age of individuals (30-69years). Age standardized incidence rate for all cancers is 94 per 100,000 individuals [6,7]. Incidence of OSCC in India is higher compared to the western world due to regional variations and pattern of habits.…”

Program organization rather than choice of test determines success of cervical cancer screening: Case studies from Bangladesh and India

“…Older women in their 50s said they were uncomfortable allowing young nurses to perform cervical examination. A study undertaken in the northeast region among 1400 participants showed that only 31% of women had heard about cervical cancer and, among those, only about 55% knew the appropriate age for screening; screening intake was negligible 32 …”