Cancer risk factors and factors affecting cancer awareness

Kanser risk faktörleri ve farkındalığına etki eden faktörler

Abstract

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled multiplication of a cell clone, invading the organ of its origin and metastasizing to the other organs. It is one of the leading causes of mortality all over the world. Cancer incidence is on the rise due to increased longevity, the increase in the number of cases detected earlier with new diagnostic methods, cancer survey programs, and developments in treatment. This increase in cancer incidence leads to significant mortality and treatment costs. The objective of the present study is to determine the factors affecting cancer awareness and the frequency of exposure to known carcinogens. This is a descriptive study on factors affecting cancer awareness and the frequency of the known risk factors among the personnel of the Antalya Muratpaşa Municipality. Of the total 1800 municipality personnel, 1163 persons whose informed consent was obtained participated in the study. One hundred and eighty six (16%) were female and 977 (84%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 40,2±10. The levels of cancer awareness in the female population is low both in their information about breast cancer and in their habits of seeking screening. The changing social structure and the newly-developing communication technologies must be taken into account in designing the cancer survey and screening programs. The internet, to wit, must be more frequently resorted to as a tool for both educating the public and imparting information. The low rate of recognition as far as the KETEMs are concerned needs special mention. We consider a more efficient approach for promoting the KETEMs is in order. We consider defining the risk factors that threaten the individuals and promoting their awareness to be of utmost importance in the fight against cancer.