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Volume 23
Issue 7
10.3390/ijerph23070871
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Improving Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in Johannesburg and iLembe Districts Through a Tailored Community-Based Educational Intervention: A Pilot Study

by
Buhle Lubuzo
1,*,
Usangiphile Buthelezi
1,2,
Zamasomi Prudence Luvuno
1,3,
Sithabisile Gugulethu Gigaba
1,3,
Bridgette Goeieman
4,
Wilbroda Hlolisile Chiya
1,3 and
Sibongile Ramotshela
4
1
School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
2
Centre for Research in Health Systems, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
3
Genius Quality, Durban 4319, South Africa
4
Afia Tai, Johannesburg 2197, South Africa
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(7), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070871
Submission received: 9 February 2026 / Revised: 1 July 2026 / Accepted: 2 July 2026 / Published: 3 July 2026
Versions Notes

Abstract

Cancer remains a growing public health concern in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities where disparities in awareness and access to care contribute to delayed diagnosis. This study evaluated the impact of a culturally tailored educational intervention based on an adapted Cancer-Community Awareness Access Research and Education (c-CARE) module in Johannesburg and iLembe districts. A pilot study using a quasi-experimental pre–post design was conducted to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes among 210 traditional health practitioners, community health workers, and faith-based leaders. Structured surveys measured awareness of multiple myeloma, prostate, lung, breast, and cervical cancers. Data were captured in REDCap and analyzed using SPSS version 30. Significant improvements in knowledge were observed across all cancers. Awareness of lung cancer increased from 74.3% to 96.7%, multiple myeloma from 26.7% to 96.7%, prostate cancer from 52.5% to 98.3%, breast cancer from 93.4% to 98.7%, and cervical cancer from 84.8% to 96.0%. Participants demonstrated improved understanding of screening modalities and risk factors, including tobacco-related harms. Despite these gains, screening-related fears remained evident. These findings demonstrate that contextually adapted, community-based training can strengthen cancer literacy and support early detection strategies in underserved settings.
Keywords: cancer awareness; community-based intervention; cancer education; South Africa; traditional health practitioners; c-CARE module; public health cancer awareness; community-based intervention; cancer education; South Africa; traditional health practitioners; c-CARE module; public health

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Lubuzo, B.; Buthelezi, U.; Luvuno, Z.P.; Gigaba, S.G.; Goeieman, B.; Chiya, W.H.; Ramotshela, S. Improving Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in Johannesburg and iLembe Districts Through a Tailored Community-Based Educational Intervention: A Pilot Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23, 871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070871

AMA Style

Lubuzo B, Buthelezi U, Luvuno ZP, Gigaba SG, Goeieman B, Chiya WH, Ramotshela S. Improving Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in Johannesburg and iLembe Districts Through a Tailored Community-Based Educational Intervention: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2026; 23(7):871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070871

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lubuzo, Buhle, Usangiphile Buthelezi, Zamasomi Prudence Luvuno, Sithabisile Gugulethu Gigaba, Bridgette Goeieman, Wilbroda Hlolisile Chiya, and Sibongile Ramotshela. 2026. "Improving Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in Johannesburg and iLembe Districts Through a Tailored Community-Based Educational Intervention: A Pilot Study" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 23, no. 7: 871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070871

APA Style

Lubuzo, B., Buthelezi, U., Luvuno, Z. P., Gigaba, S. G., Goeieman, B., Chiya, W. H., & Ramotshela, S. (2026). Improving Cancer Awareness and Knowledge in Johannesburg and iLembe Districts Through a Tailored Community-Based Educational Intervention: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(7), 871. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070871

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