Assessing Cancer Awareness and Knowledge Among Healthcare Professionals in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Bareilly

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer has long been one of the most feared diseases, widely regarded to be synonymous with death. Lack of awareness fuels many myths and misconceptions related to cancer, which perpetuates the stigma associated with it. Moreover, a considerable number of different cancer types may be preventable by using primary intervention techniques, such as health education, cancer awareness, behaviors, and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current levels of awareness and perceptions about cancer among healthcare professionals with various socio-economic statuses and diverse backgrounds in the tertiary care teaching hospital in Bareilly, India.

Methods and Material: We conducted a population-based interview survey of healthcare professionals aged 18 years or older using the awareness and beliefs about cancer questionnaire in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bareilly, India. A total of 72 healthcare professionals were interviewed using a semi-targeted sampling method. A questionnaire was designed by compiling two major international tools in literature, i.e., Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) and a survey on cancer awareness and attitudes (by NCCP). For the data analysis, questions were coded and entered. Quantitative variables were summarized using measures of central tendency as mean, while categorical variables were depicted using frequencies and percentages.

Result: The study included 37 males and 35 females, with the majority (59.7%, n = 43) falling within the 18 to 33 years age group and being relatively well-educated, as 43% (n = 31) were graduates. Despite more than half of the participants (70.6%) being aware of the most common cancer in females, their knowledge about screening programs for major female cancers like breast and cervical cancer was limited, with only 43.2 and 41.6% aware of them, respectively. Participants recognized an average of 5.2 out of 13 early cancer warning signs and cancer risk factors. While 62.4% of participants believed that cancer is not a death sentence, 43% still did not want to know if they had cancer.

Conclusion: The findings highlight a relatively young and educated population with a moderate level of awareness about the most common cancer. However, significant gaps remain in knowledge about cancer screening programs and early warning signs. Misconceptions—such as the belief that cancer is a death sentence—and reluctance to know one’s diagnosis further underscore the need for targeted health education. Strengthening awareness campaigns and promoting routine screening could play a crucial role in enhancing early detection and improved outcomes.