Related Experiment Videos
What Caused My Cancer? Cancer Patients' Perceptions on What May Have Contributed to the Development of Their Cancer:
Alix Hall1, Sang Minh Nguyen2, Lisa Mackenzie1
11 Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
|July 27, 2019
Summary
Cancer patients in Australia and Vietnam hold different beliefs about cancer causes. Public awareness campaigns need tailoring to address country-specific misconceptions for effective cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Accurate public understanding of cancer risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Limited research exists on cancer patients' risk factor perceptions in non-Western, low-to-middle-income countries.
- Cross-cultural comparisons of cancer etiology beliefs are essential for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Australian and Vietnamese cancer patients' perceptions of cancer causes.
- To identify differences in beliefs regarding evidence-based versus non-evidence-based risk factors.
- To inform the development of culturally tailored public awareness campaigns.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to adult cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Australia and Vietnam.
- A 25-item module assessed beliefs about cancer causes, including established and non-established factors.
- Country-specific logistic regression analyses identified determinants of perceived cancer causes.
Main Results:
- A total of 585 surveys were completed (285 Australian, 300 Vietnamese).
- The top perceived cause overall and in Australia was 'getting older' (42% overall, 49% Australia).
- In Vietnam, 'poor diet' was the most frequently reported cause (64% Vietnam), contrasting with Australia (11%).
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients' beliefs about etiology are complex and significantly influenced by their country of residence.
- Significant cross-cultural differences exist in perceived cancer risk factors between Australian and Vietnamese patients.
- Public health initiatives must be tailored to address specific community beliefs and potential misconceptions about cancer causes.