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Pakistani urban population demonstrates a poor knowledge about cancers: A pilot survey

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Abstract

Background. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the perceptions and level of knowledge of a Pakistani urban population regarding presentations, risk factors, and screening of cancers. Methods. From 4 tertiary care hospitals, 439 subjects were recruited through convenient sampling method and interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Results. More than 90% of subjects demonstrated poor knowledge. Good knowledge was associated with female gender, being married, higher socioeconomic status, and level of education. Conclusions. Our sample demonstrates an inadequate knowledge regarding the presentations, risk factors, and screening of cancers. Efforts aiming to correct these deficiencies might result in a successful and cost-effective model for primary and secondary prevention of major cancers in Pakistan.

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Author notes

  1. Muhammad Rizwanulhaq Khawaja MBBS

    Present address: Medical College, Aga Khan University, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan (SFH)

    Syed Faridul Hasnain MS

  2. Medical College, Aga Khan University, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan

    Samia Mazahir MBBS, Rabeeya Nusrat MBBS, Munira Bokutz MBBS, Nida Butool Rizvi MBBS, Nadeem Nooruddin Jaffer MBBS, Rabia Malik MBBS, Kanwal Aliraza Merchant MBBS, Ali Raza MBBS & Maria Maqsood MBBS

Authors
  1. Samia Mazahir MBBS
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  2. Rabeeya Nusrat MBBS
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  3. Munira Bokutz MBBS
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  4. Nida Butool Rizvi MBBS
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  5. Nadeem Nooruddin Jaffer MBBS
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  6. Rabia Malik MBBS
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  7. Kanwal Aliraza Merchant MBBS
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  8. Ali Raza MBBS
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  9. Maria Maqsood MBBS
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  10. Syed Faridul Hasnain MS
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  11. Muhammad Rizwanulhaq Khawaja MBBS
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Correspondence to Muhammad Rizwanulhaq Khawaja MBBS.

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Mazahir, S., Nusrat, R., Bokutz, M. et al. Pakistani urban population demonstrates a poor knowledge about cancers: A pilot survey. J Canc Educ 23, 264–266 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190802432984

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