Author of

• 20185

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  P3.06 - Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation (ID 722)

  • Event: WCLC 2017
  • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
  • Track: Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 10/18/2017, 09:30 - 16:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C)

  • 24107

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    P3.06-007 - Level of Awareness of Various Aspects of Lung Cancer Among College Students in India: Impact of Cancer Awareness Programes (ID 9773)

    09:30 - 09:30  |  Author(s): G.K. Rath
    • Abstract

    Background:
    Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality among men in India and incidence is increasing, but actually, they are largely preventable diseases. In India, advanced stage at the time of presentation is responsible for high mortality and morbidity and early detection is the only way to reduce it. The purpose of this study is to know the level of awareness of various aspects of lung cancer among college students and impact of awareness programmes in its prevention and early detection.
    
    Method:
    This assessment was part of Pink Chain Campaign—a campaign on cancer awareness. During the cancer awareness events in 2013–2016 at various colleges in different parts in India, pre-test related to lung cancer was followed by awareness programme. Post-test using the same questionnaire was conducted at the end of interactive session, at 6 months and 1 year.
    
    Result:
    A total of 1644 out of 1970 students participated in the study (overall response rate was 88.5 %). Mean age of the study population was 18.2 years (range 16-21 years). There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge regarding lung cancer at 6 months, and this was sustained at 1 year. Among students who were just asked yes or no question, 542 students (33 %) were smokers and 711 students (43.2 %) were alcoholics. Internet and Newspapers were sources for knowledge in 70–80 % of students, whereas approximately 40 % of students were educated by TV and Magazines regarding various aspects of lung cancer. Post awareness at 6 months and 1 year, Pink Chain Campaign was the major source of knowledge related to lung cancer in more than 90 % of students by continuous and timely update on subject. Post awareness at 6 months and 1 year, there was a significant change in alcohol and smoking habits. Major reasons for not going for check-up were ignorance (83.1 %), fear (30.1 %) and lethargic attitude (29.3 %) initially, but over time, lack of time, lethargic attitude and hesitation became important factors after knowing various aspects of lung cancer.
    
    Conclusion:
    Knowledge of lung cancer due to smoking was known to most of the students. Overall awareness of risk factors, sign and symptoms, screening modalities of lung cancer has improved in a year along with practices related to smoking and alcohol, but there was not much improvement in people undergoing regular check-ups. To inculcate safe practices in the lifestyle of people, awareness programmes Such as the Pink Chain Campaign should be conducted more widely and frequently.