Search Results (87)

Background: It is estimated that in Italy, there were 364,000 new diagnoses of neoplasms each year and that the overall incidence of blood cancers was 10% of these. Leukemia and lymphomas represented the ninth and eighth places, respectively, among the causes of death from neoplasia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represented an effective treatment option for many of these malignancies, and not only that: benign and congenital diseases could also be treated. Objective: To assess knowledge among the Apulian population regarding stem cell donation and factors that could influence this choice, focusing especially on the knowledge of the residents of Puglia, Italy on how stem cells were harvested and their functions, their reasons for joining the National Registry, and the reasons that hold them back from making such a choice. Study Design: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted, through snowball sampling methodology, until data saturation. An online survey was conducted, which included several Italian associations. The questionnaire administered contained five main sections, such as sociodemographic data, knowledge of the existence of National Registries and their adherence, the nationwide presence of various associations that promote donation, knowledge with respect to the structure, use and functions of stem cells, sources of procurement, such as bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord, and related procedures, beliefs, attitudes, values, and opinions of the Italian population regarding the topic, and degree of information and education regarding bone marrow donation. Results: A total of 567 Apulian citizens were enrolled. Of these, 75.3% were female and 96.8% were aged between 18 and 65 years. Most of participants were single (46.9%) and married (47.3%) and had a diploma (44.4%), and less had a degree (35.8%). Significant differences were recorded between gender, singles, and married participants, and participants with a diploma or a degree and the items proposed. Conclusions: A true culture of donation in our region was not clearly spread. Although something has been accomplished in recent years in terms of deceased donor donation, still a great deal needs to be achieved for living donation, which encountered a great deal of resistance. It has been deemed necessary to seek winning solutions to this issue in terms of communication and information campaigns, raising awareness and empowering citizens to express consciously their concerns about organs and tissues and to stand in solidarity with those who suffered. Full article

Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality and is responsible for 1.8 million deaths annually. The early identification of risk factors, particularly smoking, is essential in improving outcomes. Public health campaigns play a crucial role in raising awareness, but misinformation and resource limitations hinder their effectiveness. This study evaluates the impact of a public awareness campaign on Saudi citizens’ understanding of lung cancer (LC) risks and screening. Methods: An interventional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using pre- and post-campaign self-administered surveys. A total of 1,426 participants aged 18 or older were surveyed either before or after the campaign. A matching approach was used to control for confounding variables. Each participant may receive a maximum total score of 14 for their knowledge of lung cancer and a maximum total score of 10 for their awareness of lung cancer screening. Results: A total of 713 participants were surveyed pre-campaign, and 859 post-campaign). After matching, 308 participants remained for the analysis, with no significant demographic differences between those who were surveyed before and after the campaign. Post-campaign, awareness was significantly improved, which is reflected in an increase in accurate responses to key statements. The median knowledge scores increased from 11.0 to 23.0, indicating a substantial increase in understanding. Conclusions: The campaign effectively enhanced the awareness of LC risk factors and screening. However, new misconceptions regarding universal screening emerged, emphasizing the need for clear messaging. Future initiatives should address socioeconomic and gender disparities, promote collaborative decision-making, and implement long-term educational strategies. These findings align with previous research and highlight areas for improvement in public health outreach. Full article

Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health problem, with 661,021 estimated new cases and 348,189 deaths reported in 2022. Approximately 53% of women in Jordan reported not being screened for CC in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants associated with not being screened for CC amongst Jordanian women of child-bearing age. This was a cross-sectional study derived from the 2023 Jordanian Demographic Health Survey (JDHS) with 12,580 women aged 15–49 years. The study employed a non-informative Bayesian binary logistic regression approach to identify the factors that are associated with not being screened for CC. Results showed that the prevalence of not being screened for CC was 83.8% (95% CI: 83.3–84.3). The determinants identified in this study were women’s age group (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.34–0.62), education level (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34–0.91), smoking status (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63–0.91), women’s nationality (OR = 4.30; 95% CI: 1.03–27.74), breastfeeding status (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.31–2.07), wealth index (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.53–0.71), self-reported health status (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.64–0.87), marital status (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08–1.96), and HIV testing status (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40–0.75). The prevalence of not being screened for CC amongst Jordanian women of child-bearing age was found to be very high: a red flag for attention. There is a need for interventions such as community awareness campaigns and education programmes focusing on women younger than 25 years, especially women living in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, incorporating policy interventions into public health facilities and having easy accessibility to tools or screening tests may improve rates of CC screening, and thus reduce the prevalence of CC. Full article

There has been a well-documented increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients under 50 years of age. Additionally, these patients present with later-stage cancer at diagnosis compared to their over-50 counterparts. However, there is limited consensus on how the impact of this evolving epidemiology should impact existing prevention and screening tools. Recently proposed strategies include increased genetic testing, improved young patient awareness through targeted media campaigns, and initiatives to increase clinical suspicion in primary care providers. Prevention is further complicated by nuances of treating colorectal cancer in the younger population, with underexplored concerns regarding fertility, sexual health, financial impact, and extended post-treatment surveillance. This review aims to summarize the changing epidemiology of colorectal cancer in young patients, overview existing screening guidelines, and discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding prevention of early-onset colon cancer. Full article

The incidence of skin carcinoma has significantly increased among the Serbian population, with mortality rates among the highest in the world. Basic interventions can reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, especially in youth, and decrease incidence and morbidity. This study is the first cross-sectional nationwide research on knowledge, attitudes, and sun exposure practices among Serbian high school students. The results revealed that fewer than 5% of students can correctly interpret the sunburn effect of a given UV index, while sun protection strategies are infrequently adopted. Most students (55.97%) expressed favorable attitudes regarding tanning, while more than half (64.48%) reported moderately high and high exposure. Females are more likely than males to expose themselves to UVR, especially intentionally. Females use protection more than males, while even 62.65% of males use protection insufficiently. The most commonly used sun protective measures were sunscreen and shade. The results indicate the necessity for innovative and age-suitable education methods and age- and gender-directed awareness campaigns for skin cancer prevention and the promotion of sun safety. Specifically, campaigns aimed at females should focus on motivating reduced intentional exposure, while those targeting males should emphasize the consistent use of sun protection measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in Saudi Arabia, with rising incidence and notable gender disparities. However, public awareness and understanding, particularly in the Northern region, remain limited. This study aims to assess knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding thyroid cancer among northern Saudi Arabian residents and identify sociodemographic factors associated with levels of knowledge, awareness, and engagement in preventive practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 702 participants from northern Saudi Arabia was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. Participants were recruited via social media platforms and online community groups. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and screening practices, perceptions of curability and prevention, and engagement with awareness campaigns. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations. Results: The majority of respondents were young, female, and highly educated. Only 1.3% reported a personal history of thyroid cancer. Knowledge gaps regarding risk factors, screening practices, and curability were evident: 54.6% had never undergone thyroid hormone analysis, and 91% had not received thyroid imaging. Nearly half (48.6%) were uncertain about the curability of thyroid cancer, and only 27.8% recognized its genetic basis. While 62.1% believed thyroid cancer could be prevented, just 18.4% participated in awareness campaigns. Significant associations were found between knowledge of screening practices and age, education, nationality, and having family or friends in the medical field (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Significant gaps in awareness of thyroid cancer risk factors and early detection practices exist among northern Saudi residents. Culturally tailored educational interventions and integration of thyroid health into primary care are urgently needed to address these deficiencies and improve outcomes. Full article

Every year, around 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally, with fruits and vegetables making up a significant portion. One by-product of this waste is pomace—the solid remains after juice extraction—which is rich in valuable nutrients like fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals. Common sources of pomace are apples, grapes, citrus fruits, and berries. Researchers have highlighted its potential use in the confectionery industry. For example, replacing flour with pomace in cookies can improve antioxidant content and reduce hardness. Adding grape pomace to gummy candies increases levels of anthocyanins, flavanols, and proanthocyanidins while enhancing texture. Fortifying waffles with raspberry pomace boosts their nutritional value and may inhibit enzymes linked to free radical production. As a functional ingredient, pomace could help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and colon cancer. Using fruit waste in food production supports sustainability by reducing waste and improving nutrition. Public awareness efforts, such as the NRDC’s Save the Food campaign, underscore the importance of repurposing food waste. Investing in functional confectionery made with pomace offers both health and environmental benefits, making it a key ingredient for sustainable food innovation. However, despite increasing attention to functional foods, the potential of fruit pomace specifically in confectionery has not been reviewed comprehensively. This review aims to fill this gap, providing a focused synthesis on the use of fruit pomace in the confectionery industry, identifying research trends, challenges, and practical applications. Full article

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in rural areas with limited access to screening. This study explored factors influencing rural Kenyan women’s willingness to self-collect samples for HPV-DNA testing. Data were drawn from a mixed methods study in two Kenyan rural counties, including surveys with 174 women and interviews with 21 participants. The mean age of the survey sample was 45.2 (SD = 13.2) years. Only 6.4% had ever been screened, yet 76.9% expressed willingness to self-collect samples for testing. Increased willingness was associated with cervical cancer awareness (OR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.50–8.11), relying on health workers as primary sources of health information (OR = 1.88, CI = 1.23–2.86), or the news media (OR = 2.63, CI = 1.27–5.48). High cervical cancer stigma (OR = 0.71, CI = 0.57–0.88) and longer travel times of 30–120 min to a health facility (OR = 0.44, CI = 0.20–0.93) were linked to reduced willingness. Integration of the findings showed that comprehensive health promotion—through education, health worker endorsement, and mass media campaigns—may improve HPV self-sampling uptake and reduce the cervical cancer burden in rural Kenya. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccination programs, global coverage remains uneven, with significant disparities across regions due to various socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors. This study explores the primary barriers to HPV vaccination worldwide and proposes recommendations to improve access to screening and vaccination programs. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published in the past ten years from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, following the PRISMA methodology. Study selection involved multiple researchers, with discrepancies resolved through consultation. The quality of the included studies was assessed using CASP checklists. The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: Out of 2119 records, eight studies were included. The findings indicate that the main barriers to HPV vaccination include insufficient public awareness, cultural and religious resistance, financial constraints, and limited access in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, political factors, such as low prioritization of HPV vaccination and the absence of supportive policies, were identified as significant obstacles. Multidisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration, along with the integration of HPV vaccination into existing health programs, was suggested as a strategic approach to improve vaccine uptake. Conclusions: Barriers to HPV vaccination, including limited awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors, vary across regions but must be addressed to improve global coverage. Targeted interventions such as health education, inclusive policies, and culturally sensitive campaigns can significantly boost vaccine uptake. Strengthening local health systems and fostering international collaboration are key strategies to overcoming these barriers and ensuring equitable access to HPV vaccination. Full article

(1) Background: This study aims to identify the sociodemographic, behavioural, and systemic predictors of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among primary healthcare attendees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to inform targeted interventions and policy strategies. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2023 across 48 randomly selected primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The target population for this study was adults aged 18 and above attending primary healthcare centers in Riyadh. Multi-stage random sampling was used to recruit participants. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of CRC screening. (3) Results: CRC screening uptake was found to be only 4.2%. Age was a significant predictor, with individuals aged 50–75 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–2.42) and those aged 75 years or older (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01–1.87) being more likely to undergo screening compared to younger individuals. Insurance coverage strongly influenced screening behaviour (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.37–1.96). Smokers were nearly four times more likely to participate in screening than non-smokers (AOR: 3.87, 95% CI: 3.21–4.69), and physical activity was positively associated with screening (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11–1.82). (4) Conclusions: CRC screening uptake in Riyadh is critically low, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions. Key predictors such as age, insurance coverage, smoking, and physical activity underscore the importance of addressing sociodemographic disparities and promoting health awareness. The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored educational campaigns, improved healthcare access, and enhanced screening programs to increase uptake. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a critical intervention to prevent cervical cancer, especially in settings where screening is limited. In Togo, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Togo conducted an HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 9–14 from 27 November to 1 December 2023, followed by introduction of the vaccine into routine immunization. This study aimed to assess regional disparities in vaccination coverage during this campaign. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign. The target population included girls aged 9–14, following school and community-based enumeration. The campaign employed school-based, health facility-based, and community-based vaccination strategies. Data were collected via multiple tools, and monitoring was carried out through daily reports and digital tracking. Results: Out of the estimated 654,402 eligible girls, 304,457 (46.5%) were vaccinated. Vaccine coverage varied significantly by region, ranging from 76% in Kara to 15% in Grand Lomé. In-school settings accounted for 91.3% of vaccinations, with the fixed strategy covering 55.4%. In total, 11 districts exceeded 80% vaccine coverage, while 15 districts had <50%. The highest rate of adverse events following immunization was observed in the Maritime region, primarily involving minor symptoms. Conclusion: Although progress was made in HPV vaccination coverage in Togo, regional disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions. Strategies such as expanding vaccine access, enhancing awareness campaigns, and integrating HPV vaccination into routine immunization could improve coverage. Addressing logistical and cultural barriers is also crucial for equitable vaccination, aiming to achieve international benchmarks and reduce HPV-related disease burdens. Further research should explore qualitative factors influencing vaccine acceptance. Full article

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) awareness and preventive practices are critical for the early detection and effective management of the disease. This study aimed to assess the level of BC awareness among women residing in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) survey tool to evaluate BC awareness among female residents of Al Baha between June and July 2023. The sample was obtained through the snowball sampling technique. Results: A total of 1007 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 29 ± 10.9 years. Overall awareness of BC warning signs and risk factors was low, with 45% of participants demonstrating poor awareness. Significant positive associations were found between BC awareness and factors such as level of education (p = 0.020), employment status (p = 0.023), field of study for students (p < 0.0001), and average monthly family income (p = 0.001). Furthermore, 75% of participants rarely or never practiced breast self-examination, and only 37% of those invited to the Ministry of Health’s screening program had attended. Conclusions: The results highlight a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about BC among women in Al Baha. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives and awareness campaigns to address this knowledge gap and promote preventive practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer causes high mortality rates globally despite the existence of cervical cancer screening. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors limiting Romanian women’s participation in cervical cancer screening, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, health practices, sexual history, and personal health views. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 1605 women aged 25 to 64 from all regions of Romania. Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing was performed in February and March 2020. Logistic regression models assessed the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, sexual health history, and personal beliefs on non-participation, which were quantified using the odds ratio. Results: A percentage of 25.1% of women had never been screened for cervical cancer. Higher education and income levels were linked to higher screening rates. The adjusted odds for a lack of HPV awareness were significantly high (aOR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.85–3.25), highlighting a gap in health knowledge affecting screening behavior. Not receiving a referral to a specialist from the primary care physician (aOR: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.09–4.19) was strongly associated with increased odds of non-participation. Personal beliefs about cancer prevention, health misconceptions, perceived costs, and stigma emerged as significant contributors to cervical cancer screening participation. Conclusions: Analyzing predictors influencing participation in cervical screening is crucial for public health in Romania, which has high cervical cancer mortality and low participation rates in cervical cancer screening. To improve participation, we recommend enhanced physician referrals, HPV awareness campaigns, addressing social stigma, and widespread communication about screening availability. Full article

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a major health concern globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women in Saudi Arabia. Although peoples’ awareness of BC risk factors has been previously examined, studies on obesity-related BC awareness in the Qassim region are inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate knowledge and awareness of obesity-related BC risk among Saudi women in the Qassim region. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a stratified random sampling technique of 400 Saudi women randomly selected from the Qassim region through an online platform and community health centers. An online closed-ended pretested validated structured questionnaire was completed by the participants using a Google Forms link. The categorical variables were frequency and percentage. The chi-square test was used to study the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Results: There is moderate to poor knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors. The results showed poor knowledge about obesity after menopause as a risk factor for BC (49%). Over half of the participants (51.0%) did not consider obesity a BC risk factor. The need for self-examinations and mammogram screenings showed moderate (59.6%) and poor awareness levels (4.75%). Conclusions: The findings highlight a noticeable gap in knowledge and awareness about obesity-related BC risks, as well as a limited awareness of the need for breast self-examinations and mammogram screenings. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational programs in the Qassim region to address this critical health issue. Promoting breast self-examination practices, weight management, and regular mammogram screenings could significantly enhance early detection, improve prognosis, and reduce BC-related mortality among Saudi women in the Qassim region. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer is increasing, awareness campaigns can be a useful tool to prevent these conditions. To optimize these campaigns, it is important to establish what the population really know about photoprotection and how they comply with photoprotection habits. Methods: We conducted a survey on the knowledge, behavior, and attitudes related to sun exposure in the Spanish population across the country. The results were analyzed globally and also differentiating by age between those under 25 years of age and those over 25 years of age. Results: Responses from 12,597 respondents were analyzed. Globally, 97% associate bad sun exposure habits with skin cancer; however, when we analyze the results in more detail, the prevalence of an association between tanning and skin damage and the prevalence of the correct use of sunscreens and photoprotective attitudes are lower, especially in people under 25 years old. Conclusions: The data from this survey reinforce the idea that dermatologists need to promote greater awareness among the Spanish population regarding both the skin damage induced by solar radiation and the importance of good photoprotection and preventive habits, specifically in men and people under 25 years of age. To our knowledge, this is the biggest survey to date performed in Spain. Full article