To Assess the Knowledge and Awareness about Breast, Cervical and Oral Cancer Screening Among Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Cancer Centre

Abstract

Background: To better primary health care and better-trained nurses, knowing the causes of cancer provides a basis for understanding the potential for prevention or early detection of the disease. Our study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness about breast, cervical and oral cancer screening amongst oncology nurses at a tertiary cancer centre.

Methodology: An anonymised questionnaire based study was conducted amongst nurses at a tertiary cancer centre. We used NCG e-leaning questionnaire to assess knowledge (which includes breast, oral and cervical knowledge and awareness related questionnaire).

Results: A total of 313 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Age range of participants was from 21 to 54 years (mean = 29.8; SD = 8.14). Knowledge and awareness about breast cancer were significantly associated gender (p=0.014) and marital status (p=0.00). Although, Knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer were significantly associated with gender (p=0.002) and years of experience (p=0.03). The age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.002) and years of experience (p=<0.001) was statistically significantly associated with knowledge and awareness about oral cancer.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that levels of knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer as well as its preventable nature should be improved. Continuing nurse education may contribute to strengthen cervical cancer screening programs. Nursing staff, if properly aware of this disease, can educate the masses and hence increase health-seeking behaviour in women.