• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.5049-5052
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of oncological death for women, in both developed and developing countries. In Iran, breast cancer ranks first among cancers diagnosed in women. The aim of this study was to present the burden of this cancer including incidence, mortality and years life lost (YLL) due to breast cancer in Iranian women. Materials and Methods: National incidence data from the Iranian annual National Cancer Registration reports from 2003 to 2009 and national death statistics reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education from 1995 to 2010, stratified by age group, were included in this analysis. Also calculated YLLs provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) for the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 were employed to express the years lost due to BC for Iranian women. Results: The general mortality rate of breast cancer increased during these years from 0.96 to 4.33 per 100,000 and incidence increased from 16.0 to 28.3 per 100,000 for the years under study. YLLs calculated by IHME showed both increasing and decreasing patterns, with a tendency for stabilization. Conclusions: The burden of breast cancer for Iranian women is still increasing. Thus, health education programs to inform women regarding the signs and risk factors, and national screening to facilitate early diagnosis are needed for the female community in Iran.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.53-64
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of study was to develop a standard instrument of oriental medical evaluation lung cancer. Methods: For this study, the committee advisor was organized by 10 Korean Medicine professors of the Korean Association of Traditional Oncology. The items and structure of the instrument were quoted from the instrument of pattern identification for lung cancer. We had a consultation with the committee twice and took additional advice from it via E-mail. Results: According to the research, we determined the Korean oriental medical assessment tool for lung cancer comprised of the 6 types of patterns of syndrome differentiation. The advisor committee gave the answers about discrimination between bian-zheng and su-zheng, mean weight of each symptom and sign. The final weight was calculated from the combination of the ratio of bian-zheng and mean weight. Conclusions: The instrument of oriental medical evaluation for lung cancer was developed through experts' discussion. If the validity and the reliability of this instrument are validated through additional clinical trial, the instrument of oriental medical evaluation for lung cancer is expected to be applied to the later research.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.367-370
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide In Iran, it ranks first among cancers diagnosed in women and is the fifth most common cause of death. The aim of this study was to present the mortality trends from breast cancer for Iranian women during a period of almost a decade, in order to provide update information regarding the likely future. Methods: We analyzed National death Statistic reported by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education from 1995 to 2004 to generate annual mortality rates/100,000, overall, by age group (<15, 15-49 and ${\geq}50$ years of age) and age standardized rate (ASR). Results: The age standardized mortality rate of breast cancer increased dramatically during these years from 1.40 to 3.52 per 100,000 and its mortality was increasing 151.4% for Iranian women, although it seemed that the rate leveled off from 2002 to 2004. Moreover the increasing rate was higher for those aged between 15-49 compared to age >50 years old. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend for breast cancer mortality in Iran. Thus, health education programs to rectify the lack of women awareness about breast cancer signs and effective screening are urgently needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.4877-4883
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• 2014

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the gynecological cancers worldwide, especially in developing countries. There are few to no initial symptoms and signs. This study was conducted to assess the awareness level of young Pakistani women about cervical cancer and to educate them about this deadly disease. A detailed questionnaire regarding demographic data and information about cervical cancer was distributed in different cities of Punjab. A total of 873 women took part in this survey and 70.1 percent were totally unaware of this cancer. Only 8.5% of the whole surveyed population knew accurately about cancer of cervix, 7% of the surveyed respondents correctly specified the human papilloma virus as the causative agent. Only 5.2% respondents were able to identify the Pap smear test as a diagnostic measure. Out of all the surveyed population only 4.3% of individuals were found to be vaccinated against this disease and the majority was found from the medical profession. Medical professionals, students, working women, housewives and uneducated individuals took active part in this survey. This study demonstrates a low level of awareness among Pakistani women and a need for an active campaign by media and government to increase understanding as well as introducing measures for improved prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5439-5444
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• 2015

Background: One of the main causes of delay in diagnosis of oral cancer is lack of awareness about aetiology and symptoms among the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of patients regarding oral cancer and their attitude towards tobacco cessation. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Isfahan-Iran in 2014. A 29-item self-administrated questionnaire was designed and piloted and distributed to patients attending dental clinics. Questions were focused on awareness about oral cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, places in the mouth which are more susceptible and attitude toward tobacco cessation. Chi-square, T-test, ANOVA and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 546 valid completed questionnaires were obtained. The mean knowledge score of patients was 4.1(${\pm}2.7$) out of 13. Some 80% of patients did not know about early manifestations of oral cancer. Only 18% knew the most likely sites of oral cancer. Only 43.1% and 65.2% of patients reported alcohol and tobacco consumption as the main risk factors but they had a fair knowledge about other risk factors. There was no significant difference in Knowledge level between patients regarding their sex, educational levels and age. Most patents (90%) expected their dentists to warn them about the harmful effects of smoking and showed willingness to quit if recommended. Conclusions: Knowledge about oral cancer was found to be quite low. It seems necessary to increase the level of public awareness using educational programs with cooperation of dentists in tobacco cessation programs.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2019

Objectives: This study examined cancer knowledge, beliefs, and practice among faith-based Chinese in the USA versus Taiwan to gain better understandings on how environment and culture might play a role for tailored cancer education programs. Methods: A self-administered survey included a validated 10-item Cancer Screening Belief Scale (CSBS), an 8-item Cancer Screening Knowledge Test (CSKT), and a 14-item cancer Warning Signs Test (CWST) was administered. Participants were recruited from 9 Chinese churches (5 in the USA and 4 in Taiwan). Results: A total of 372 Chinese participated, 50% lived in the USA and 50% in Taiwan. Mean age was 44.31 (standard deviation, 14.74), 60% males, and majority had college education (85%). Taiwan participants scored higher on both CSKT (6.13 vs. 5.52; p<0.001) and CWST (6.80 vs. 5.38; p<0.001). Although perceived screening benefits and barriers were similar, Taiwan participants endorsed higher on screening norms (11.67 vs. 10.82; p<0.001). Taiwan participants also indicated more doctor recommending cancer screenings (42.1% vs. 29.6%; p=0.015), USA participants were more likely to have had annual health exams (65.4% vs. 48.9%; p=0.002). Regression results showed that those resided in the USA were 2.38 times more likely to report annual health exams. Married status (odds ratio [OR], 2.85), college education (OR, 2.38), doctor's recommendation (OR, 2.87), no family cancer history (OR, 2.47), and those with lower barriers were significant factors on annual health exams. Conclusions: Taiwan participants scored higher on cancer knowledge and screening norms, while more USA participants reported annual health exams. Taiwan's universal healthcare might play a role on the different healthcare seeking patterns.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2479-2483
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• 2016

Background: This study explored the knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer (CRC) among undergraduate students of one of the leading universities in Saudi Arabia, along with the mode of information access. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, among students of different faculties. The study questionnaire, containing 28 items, was adapted from surveys identified in the relevant literature. The CRC awareness questionnaire consisted of an awareness section (early CRC signs and symptoms, and risk factors) and a knowledge section. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0. Results: A total of 525 undergraduate students participated in the study. The majority were females (63.0%) and approximately half (56.8%) were medical students. The majority of the students (82.3%) were aware of CRC, and 68% thought that CRC is a preventable disease. Regarding colorectal cancer screening tests, only one-third of students (33%) had actual knowledge, while the majority of the students (77.0%) thought that there are tests which help in early detection. Only 4% of the participants had a family history of CRC. The majority of the participants (84%) thought that CRC is a disease that can be cured. Almost 50-60% participants had good awareness level regarding risk factors, and signs and symptoms. Regarding knowledge, participant responses varied for family history (52%), age (59%), chronic infection of the colon (72%), obesity and lack of exercise (66%). More than one-third of the students had received information material regarding CRC from their curriculum followed by social media (20.4%), and nearly 40% from other sources such as TV, hospital and mass media. Female participants had significantly better awareness in a few questions regarding CRC awareness as compared to their male counterparts. There was a significant difference observed between medical and non-medical students (p<0.001) in overall score of awareness and knowledge about CRC while no significant difference found in gender-wise comparison. Conclusions: Knowledge and awareness of students about CRC were not up to the mark. Medical students and female students had better knowledge in a few areas, but the overall situation is dismal.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4825-4830
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• 2016

Background: In developed countries, awareness of cervical cancer screening is well documented. In contrast, in Oman as a developing country, public responses regarding cervical screening are unclear. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness about cervical cancer and Papanicolau (Pap) smear testing and to establish any correlations between knowledge and demographic factors among Omani women. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, participants were divided into three groups: patients who attended the Outpatient Gynecology Department in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman, female staff from SQUH, College of Medicine and College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and graduating female students at SQU. Data collection was through interview-based and online self-administered questionnaires. Cumulative scoring was used for data analysis. Results: There were 204 outpatients, 133 staff and 157 students. Outpatients (79.4%), staff (97.7%) and students (75.2%) had heard of cervical cancer. Nevertheless, their specific knowledge, regarding signs and symptoms, risk factors and Pap smear, was low at 38.7%, 35.3% and 7.6% among outpatients, staff and students, respectively. Some 39.9% of the married outpatients had adequate overall knowledge as compared to none of the single women. Educational level was found to be significantly associated with outpatient knowledge with the highest awareness levels among postgraduates and medical university graduates (61.5%). Conclusion: Specific knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors and cervical Pap smear is generally poor among Omani women. This lack of knowledge may be one of the contributing factors for the high incidence of cervical cancer in Oman relative to that in developed countries.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9307-9312
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• 2014

Background: Hope is an important coping resource for cancer patients. Types and sources of hope and hope-inspiring strategies are not well investigated among Iranian cancer patients. The aims of present study were therefore to investigate the nature of hope and some demographic predictors of hope among Iranian cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was undertaken among 200 cancer patients admitted to an educational center affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. The Herth Hope Index and other validated questionnaires were used to investigate level of hope and types and sources of hope, as well as hope-inspiring strategies. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: The overall score for hope was 31 from total scores ranging between 12 and 48. Some 94% of patients mentioned 'return to normal life' and 'complete healing of disease by drugs and physicians' as their main hopes. The most important sources of hope reported by patients include spiritual resources, family members, healthcare workers, and medicines and treatments available for the disease. Relationship with God, praying/blessing, controlling the signs and symptoms of the disease, and family/health care workers' support were the main hope-inspiring strategies. Patients who had a history of metastasis, or who were older, illiterate, divorced/widowed and lived with their children reported lower levels of hope. On the other hand, employed patients and those with good support from their families had higher levels of hope. Conclusions: The study findings showed moderate to high levels of hope among Iranian cancer patients. Accordingly, the role of spiritual/religion, family members and health care workers should be considered in developing care plans for these patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.15
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• pp.6669-6672
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice about breast cancer and its related factors among women in Baghdad city, Iraq. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 women aged 18 to 55 years from four non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Baghdad city, Iraq. A self-administered questionnaire on breast cancer knowledge and practice was distributed to participants during weekly activity of the NGO. Results: A total of 61.2% of the respondents had poor knowledge, only 30.3% performed breast self-examination (BSE) and 41.8% said that they did not know the technique to perform BSE. Associations between knowledge and marital status and age were significant. For practice, working status, education, age and family income were significant. After controlling for cofounders, the most important contributing factors for poor knowledge among respondents were marital status and not performing BSE, with adjusted odds ratio of 1.6 and 1.8 respectively. Conclusions: Breast cancer knowledge and practice of BSE are poor among women in Baghdad city, Iraq. More promotion regarding breast cancer signs and symptoms and also how to perform BSE should be conducted using media such as television and internet as these constituted the main sources of information for most women in our study.