Title: A Cross Sectional Study amongst Paramedical and Nursing Students Regarding Cancer Awareness at a Tertiary Healthcare Institute in Northern India
Authors: Kailash Mittal, Peeyush Kariwal, Nishu Bala
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.127
Abstract
The rising cancer incidence makes cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment a priority. Paramedical workers and Nurses in India are the most important and the largest section of the paramedical workforce. Awareness among paramedical students regarding cancer incidence, prevention and control was limited in this study. Only 52% and 48% knew that carcinoma lung and carcinoma cervix is the most common cancer in males and females respectively. Only 60% knew that smoking and other forms of tobacco use are the most important preventable risk factor for cancer in India. 3/4th of the students knew that cancer prevention is possible. Only 40% knew that early detection is beneficial. Since nurses have a major influence on the health seeking behaviour of patients, they need to be aware of cancer risk factors and the importance of early detection through screening.
Keywords: Cancer awareness, Nurses, Paramedical workers, Prevention.
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