Abstract

This study attempted to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of men and women in Hirmand* about the warning signs of cancer and adoption of preventive behaviors during 2012-2014. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 614 residents of Hirmand were selected through random cluster sampling. The data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire that consisted of three parts: demographic information and items related to knowledge of the participants about the warning signs of cancer and items related to adoption of preventive behavior against cancer. Data were analyzed through SPSS using statistical tests, ANOVA, Tukey, t-test and Pearson's correlation, where the significance level was considered to be p<0.05. The results showed that the average level of awareness about the warning signs of cancer and adoption of preventive behaviors were 58.3±5.02 and 45±8.05, respectively. Pearson's correlation indicated there is a significant relationship between the knowledge and adoption of preventive behaviors (p<0.001, r=0.257). Other findings demonstrated a significant relationship between marital status, education level, age groups, employment status, living place in different areas and source of information, knowledge and adoption of preventive behaviors (p<0.05). Awareness of cancer preventive measures can be facilitated by designing regular educational programs, informative workshops and the mass media so as to raise knowledge and awareness of the public about cancer prevention and the warning signs.