• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.6095-6101
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• 2013

Few studies have examined the relationship between social support and stages of adoption of cancer screening. Here we investigated associations between both structural and functional aspects of social support and stages of adoption of gastric cancer screening in the general population of Korea. The study population was derived from the 2011 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), an annual cross-sectional survey that uses nationally representative random sampling to investigate cancer screening rates. Data were analyzed from 3,477 randomly selected respondents aged 40-74 years. Respondents were classified according to their stage of adoption of gastric cancer screening: precontemplation (13.2%), contemplation (18.0%), action/maintenance (56.1%), relapse risk (8.5%), and relapse stage (4.1%). Respondents with larger social networks were more likely to be in the contemplation/action/maintenance, or the relapse risk/relapse stages versus the precontemplation stage (OR=1.91, 95%CI: 1.52-2.91; p for tend=0.025). Emotional and instrumental supports were not associated with any stage of adoption of gastric cancer screening. However, respondents who reported receiving sufficient informational support were more likely to be in the relapse risk/relapse stages versus the precontemplation, or the contemplation/action/maintenance stage (p for trend=0.016). Interventions involving interactions between social network members could play an important role in increasing participation in gastric cancer screening.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.41-60
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• 2003

This study, performed to analyze the factors associated with health and cancer screening using preventive programs form health insurance among the women of a community, through a survey of about 923 women in Euijungbu-city. The subjects of the study were selected by a proportional cluster sampling method. The self-reported questionnaire was intended to fine factors associated with health screening and cancer screening. The results of this study were as follows: 1. In the case of health screening using health insurance, 14.1% of the subjects turned out to have been screened once or more in their respective life-time. Reasons given for non-participation in the screening were : 'lacking screening information', a belief that' it's not useful' and a belief that they' weren't sick'. 2. The factors associated with health screening behavior were age, educational level, number of doctor visits, BMI and health promotion behavior(p<0.01, p<0.05). Also, the factors associated with health screening behavior were cue to action and health status, and the predictors on health screening behavior were age and health promotion behavior(p<0.01, p<0.05). 3. In the case of cancer screening through the health insurance, 7.4% of the subjects turned out to have been screened once or more respectively in their life-times. Reasons given for non-participation in the screening were : 'lacking screening information', a belief they 'weren't sick' and that it's not useful'. 4. The factors associated with cancer screening behavior were age, educational level, income, alcholol intake, exercise, number of doctor visits and BMI(p<0.01, p<0.05). Aditional factors associated with cancer screening behavior were cue to action, health belief score and health status. Predictors for cancer screening behavior were: age, health belief score, screening attitude and health status(p<0.01, p<0.05). As indicated by the above results, a lack of information was an important factor for a lack of participation in screening. Age and cue to action were also important factors in promoting the cancer screening rate. Therefore, a dissemination of information about cancer screening contributes to the promotion of a screening rate, and cooperation between health insurance and local health cancer facilitates to be public the community-based cancer screening program.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.15
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• pp.6293-6298
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• 2015

Opportunistic screening for lung cancer is commonly conducted in Korea in accordance with physician recommendations and screenee's preferences. However, studies have yet to thoroughly examine the public's understanding of the risks posed by lung cancer screening. This study was conducted to assess changes in intentions to undergo lung cancer screening in response to being informed about exposure to radiation during low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) tests and to identify factors with the greatest influence thereon among Korean men. We conducted sub-group interviews among men chosen from the 2013 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey of men aged 40 to 74 years and women aged 30 to 74 years. From 4100 participants in the KNCSS, 414 men who underwent any cancer screening test within the last 2 years were randomly selected for inclusion in this study. Via face-to-face interviews, their intentions to undergo lung cancer screening were assessed before and after being informed about exposure to radiation during LDCT testing. Of the 414 participants, 50% were current smokers. After receiving information on the benefits of the test, 95.1% stated an intention to undergo screening; this decreased to 81.6% after they received information on the harms of the test. The average decrease in intention rate was 35.3%. Smoking status, household income, and education level were not associated with lowered intentions to undergo lung cancer screening. Participants who were older than 60 years old (OR=0.56; 95% CI= 0.33-0.96) and those with less concern for radiation exposure (OR=0.56; 95% CI=0.36-0.89) were less likely to lower their screening intentions. The results of this study suggest that there is a need to educate both non-smokers and former smokers on the harms of lung cancer screening.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5545-5549
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• 2012

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a breast cancer screening educational program on women's knowledge and intention to seek breast cancer screening in Taiwan. Materials and Method: This study describes the knowledge and intention of breast cancer screening changes during the period pre and post group education. A pre-test and post-test were used in both the experimental and the control groups. A convenience sampling was used. Two structured questionnaires were used. Results: The mean knowledge of breast cancer screening scores (pre-test and post-test) of the experimental group participants were 12.6 and 14.0. Then the mean knowledge of breast cancer screening scores (pre-test and post-test) of the control group participants were 11.8 and 12.1. The mean intention of breast cancer screening scores (pre-test and post-test) of the experimental group participants were 11.4 and 13.5. And the mean intention of breast cancer screening scores (pre-test and post-test) of the control group participants were 11.6 and 12.4. An independent-t test was applied to examine the differences among the two groups, revealing that the average post-test knowledge score differ significantly between the two groups (t =4.18, p<.00); and the post-test intention also demonstrate a marked statistical difference (t = 2.07, p<.05). A paired-t test was applied to examine the differences of each group, revealing that the total average scores of the experimental group participants on the knowledge of breast cancer screening scale clearly differ statistically (t =-5.54, p<.00); and the pre-test and post-test intention testing also demonstrate a marked statistical difference (t =-7.70, p<.00). Conclusions: These findings are helpful in understanding the knowledge and intention of breast cancer screening changes during the period pre and post group education. It is expected that these results can offer a reference for clinical breast cancer prevention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2473-2476
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• 2014

Background: Little is known about the cancer screening prevalence and correlates in older adults from different racial backgrounds. In the context of heightened efforts for prevention and early diagnosis, we collected information on screening for two major types of cancers: cervical and breast cancer in order to establish their prevalence estimates and correlates among older South African women who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE) in 2008. Materials and Methods: We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a multi-stage stratified cluster sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or older in South Africa in 2008. In this analysis, we only considered the female subsample of (n=2202). The measures used included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the association of socio-demographic factors, health variables and cancer screening. Results: Overall, regarding cervical cancer screening, 24.3% ever had a Papanicolaou (PAP) smear test, and regarding breast cancer screening, 15.5% ever had a mammography. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age, higher education, being from the White or Coloured population group, urban residence, greater wealth, and suffering from two or more chronic conditions were associated with cervical cancer screening, and higher education, being from the White or Indian/Asian population group, greater wealth, having a health insurance, and suffering from two or more chronic condtions were associated with breast cancer screening. Conclusions: Cancer screening coverage remains low among elderly women in South Africa in spite of the national guideline recommendations for regular screening in order to reduce the risk of dying from these cancers if not detected early. There is a need to improve accessibility and affordability of early cervical and breast cancer screening for all women to ensure effective prevention and management of cervical and breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5377-5383
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• 2015

Background: Participation is one of the major factors affecting the long-term success of population-based prostate cancer screening programs. The aim of this study was to explore strong factors linked to participation in prostate cancer screening among older Jordanian adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from Jordanian older adults, aged 40 years and over, who visited a comprehensive health care center within the Ministry of Health. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the internal consistency of the the Champion Health Belief Model Scale for prostate cancer screening and the clarity of survey questions. Sample characteristics and rates of participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using means and frequencies. Important factors associated with participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: About 13% of the respondents had adhered to prostate cancer screening guidelines over the previous decade. Four out of the seven HBM-driven factors (perceived susceptibility, benefits and barriers to PSA test, and health motivation) were statistically significant. Those with greater levels of susceptibility, benefits of PSA test and health motivation and lower levels of barriers to PSA testing were more likely to participate in prostate cancer screening. Family history, presence of urinary symptoms, age, and knowledge about prostate cancer significantly predicted the participation in prostate cancer screening. Conclusions: Health professionals should focus more on the four modifiable HBMrelated factors to encourage older adults to participate in prostate cancer screening. Intervention programs, which lower perceived barriers to PSA testing and increase susceptibility, benefits of PSA testing and health motivation, should be developed and implemented.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.87-95
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• 2016

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of awareness of the national cancer screening program by the Korean public and define its relationship with cancer screening intention. Methods : The study collected data by conducting an online survey from April 19 to 24, 2016, and received a total 354 responses. Additionally, we performed frequency analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results : Based on the results for the degree of awareness for the national cancer screening program, 151 (42.7%) people were aware of the program, while 203 (57.3%) were not aware the program. From the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis, marital status and awareness of the national cancer screening program were found to have a statistically significant influence on screening intention. Conclusions : An increase in the screening rate should be established with a systematic promotion plan for the national cancer screening program.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2899-2902
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• 2015

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and in Thailand is the second most common cancer among women. In 2008, a national cervical cancer screening programme was implemented in Thailand, but coverage remains relatively low. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether cervical cancer screening uptake is associated with the area of residency in Thailand. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was carried out in women aged 30 to 60 year-old, who live in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. Structured-questionnaires were used to interview 226 women (cases) who had attended cervical cancer screening in the last five years and 226 women (controls) who had not. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the area of residency and cervical cancer screening uptake. Results: After controlling for parity, marital status and duration of hormonal contraceptive use, an association between the area of residence and cervical cancer screening uptake could not demonstrated ($OR_{adj}$ 1.27, 95%CI: 0.79, 2.04). Conclusions: We found no evidence to suggest remoteness to health care center led to lower cervical cancer screening uptake.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.283-287
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• 2012

Objective: To explore the participation rates for breast and colorectal cancer screening and identify associated correlates among elderly women. Methods: Logistic regressions were conducted using data collected in 2006 from 1,533 elderly women aged 60 years or above who had completed a screening instrument, the Minimum Data Set-Home Care, while applying for long-term care services at the first time in Hong Kong. Results: The participation rates for breast and colorectal cancer screening among frail older Chinese women were 3.7% and 10.8% respectively. Cognitive status was inversely associated with the likelihood of participation in screening (breast: OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.47-0.94; colon: OR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.66-0.99), as was educational level with the likelihood of participation in breast cancer screening (no formal education: OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.06-0.61, some primary education: OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.10-1.00). Conclusion: The delivery of cancer preventive health services to frail older women is less than ideal. Cognitive status and educational level were important factors in cancer screening behaviour. Tailor-made strategic promotion programmes targeting older women with low cognitive status and educational levels are needed to enhance awareness and acceptance within this vulnerable group.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3981-3990
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Jordan. Current efforts are focused on annual campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer and encouraging women to conduct mammogram screening. In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, there is a need to evaluate current mammography screening uptake and its predictors, assess women's knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer and screening mammograms and to identify barriers to this preventive service. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six governorates in Jordan through face-to-face interviews on a random sample of women aged 40 to 69 years. Results: A total of 507 participants with mean age of $46.8{\pm}7.8$ years were interviewed. There was low participation rate in early detection of breast cancer practices. Breast self-examination, doctor examination and periodic mammography screening were reported by 34.9%, 16.8% and 8.6% of study participants, respectively. Additionally 3.8% underwent breast cancer screening at least once but not periodically, while 87.6% had never undergone mammography screening. Reported reasons for conducting the screening were: perceived benefit (50%); family history of breast cancer (23.1%); perceived severity (21.2%); and advice from friend or family member (5.8%). City residents have shown higher probability of undergoing mammogram than those who live in towns or villages. Results revealed negative perceptions and limited knowledge of study participants on breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The most commonly reported barriers for women who never underwent screening were: fear of results (63.8%); no support from surrounding environment (59.7); cost of the test (53.4%); and religious belief, i.e. Qadaa Wa Qadar (51.1%). Conclusions: In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, the uptake of this preventive service is very low. It is essential for the country of Jordan to work on applying regular systematic mammography screening for breast cancer. Additionally, there is a need for improvement in the current health promotion programmes targeting breast cancer screening. Other areas that could be targeted in future initiatives in this field include access to screening in rural areas and removal of current barriers.