Background:
Lung cancer is a serious public health issue because of high mortality and increaing incidence in India, but actually they are largely preventable diseases and there is limited data from India on this issues.
Aim:
To know the impact of awareness program on change in adoption of safe practices in prevention and early detection.
Methods:
This assessment was part of pink chain campaign. During the events in 2011 at various women colleges in India, Pre test was conducted by questionnaire. It was followed by awareness program consisting of lectures with special note of tobacco and smoking and an interactive session followed by post test.Literature related to cancer awareness was sent regularly. After completion of 6 months and 1 year, same questionnaires were mailed to the participants to see the change in practice. Data was collected and analysed.
Results:
A total of 156 out of 182 teachers participated in the study (85.71 %).109 and 95 teachers responded at the end of 6 months and 1 year respectively.For lung cancer,the correct risk factors indicated by teachers were smoking (89%),Secondhand smoke(37%), Family history(5%),and tuberculosis(36%).Symptoms of lung cancer were not well known in teachers.Symptoms of lung cancer known to teachers were Persistent cough(24%),Sputum streaked with blood(36%),Chest pain(12%),Voice change(12%),Recurrent bronchitis(5%).Magazines and newspapers were source for knowledge in 60% of teachers and 30% were educated by doctors regarding. At 6 months and 1 year,significant change in alcohol and smoking habits was noted. There was a significant increase in knowledge at 6 months and this was sustained at 1 year. For not doing regular checkup, major reasons came out to be ignorance (50%), lethargic attitude(44.87%) and lack of time(34.61%)
Conclusions:
Knowledge of lung cancer was not well known to teachers.Though there was significant change in addiction habits, there was not much improvement in people undergoing regular check ups.