Published online Oct 24, 2024. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i10.1269
Revised: September 13, 2024
Accepted: September 14, 2024
Published online: October 24, 2024
Processing time: 47 Days and 1.3 Hours
Cancer presents a significant public health challenge in China, necessitating broad collaboration across society. The Chinese government has articulated a goal to increase the overall five-year survival rate for cancer by 15% by 2030. Achieving this objective requires not only advances in medical technology, but also an im
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the status of cancer prevention and level of popularization in China in 2023.
From January 2023 to May 2023, online questionnaires were distributed to 3000 participants, including medical personnel, patients with cancer, their families, and the general public. There were 2711 valid responses, covering the entire nation.
A total of 1020 medical personnel and 1691 patients with cancer, their family members, and the general public participated in the survey. Among medical personnel, 93.2% had popularized cancer health. Commonly addressed topics included cancer prevention (85.9%) and cancer screening (77.8%). Primary challenges included time constraints (73.9%), insufficient personnel and material support (66.7%), and uncertainty as to where to begin (49.3%). Among patients with cancer, their family members, and the general public, 93.4% reported reading or watching cancer science popularization materials and 56.9% expressed a desire for deeper understanding. The most sought-after topics in cancer science popularization included cancer screening (80.2%) and cancer prevention (75.8%). The greatest challenge encountered in accessing cancer health popularization was an abundance of misinformation (67.5%).
Most clinical doctors, patients, family, and the general public wish to participate in cancer education. However, improvement in the quality of content in cancer prevention and treatment education is required.
Core Tip: Cancer poses a significant threat to the health and lives of the Chinese population. Therefore, enhancing public awareness of cancer health is of paramount importance. Prior to this study, there has been no investigation of the status of cancer health education in China. Through the distribution of random questionnaires across 31 provinces in China, 1020 healthcare professionals and 1691 patients with cancer, their family members, and the general public participated. Most participants expressed a strong willingness to participate in cancer health education. Therefore, improvement in the quality of cancer health education is required.