Cancer prevention and early detection among Egyptians

Although cancer is frequently not perceived as a significant health problem in developing countries, cancer death in developing countries is higher than in developed countries. Therefore, cancer prevention and early detection in developing countries is becoming a universal challenge to health care providers. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to cancer prevention and early detection among Egyptians. Data were collected from 99 people, and the design was descriptive and correlational, using a self-administered survey. Results showed that the Egyptians surveyed had some knowledge about warning signs of cancer as well as prevention and early detection strategies. In addition, results indicated a significant difference between males and females in warning signs of cancer as well as prevention and early detection methods. Participants were less likely to believe their lifestyle behaviors affect their chances of developing cancer. Current practices undertaken included dietary behaviors, abstinence from smoking, check-up for minor suspicious symptoms, and annual complete physical examinations. Barriers to undertaking practices included factors related to lack of preventive resources, lack of information about preventive strategies, family financial concerns, and specific attitudes toward cancer. The study findings indicate the need for providing people with information to help them make decisions regarding undertaking cancer prevention and early detection practices.