[Evaluation of knowledge about colon cancer prevention versus other tumors]

In Argentina almost 7% of deaths are due to different cancers with screening strategies.

Evaluate knowledge about cancer prevention compared with other tumors. Materials. A descriptive and comparative study. A survey between April and June 2013 in Salta City, province of Salta, Argentina. Correct answers were considered. Statistical analysis: Descriptive (mean and percentage), comparative Chi square Test (significance level P<0,05).

100 surveys. Correct answers: 36% Colon (CI 0,27-0,45), 46% Prostate (CI 0,33-0,52) and 69 (CI 0,59-0,77) and 58 (CI 0,48-0,67)for mama and cervix. 20% (CI 0,13-0,28) knew that colon cancer has a genetic predisposition and 58% (CI 0,48-0,67) about mama. 73% (CI 0,63-0,8) received information about cancer prevention. The main source of information was the physician. 46% (CI 0,36-0,55) received medical care in private institutions. Those who had social security, higher educational levels and medical care in private institutions had better knowledge about cancer prevention except in colon cancer.

The global results showed levels below 70% in general but extremely low in colon cancer. Not having social security, receiving medical care in public institutions and having a low educational level are related with poor knowledge about cancer prevention except for colon and prostate cancer.