Knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam

Abstract

Background The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of common cancers among new-entry health science students in Japan and Vietnam, thereby providing insights for implementing appropriate medical educational interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among new-entry health science students at Hiroshima University, Japan, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A printed predesigned questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was distributed to the participants during the freshmen health screening at the beginning of the academic year to assess their knowledge of cancer. Results A total of 2,748 new-entry health science students participated in the study, including 394 (14.3%) Japanese students and 2,354 (85.7%) Vietnamese students. Most cancer knowledge levels in Japanese students were significantly higher than those in Vietnamese students (p < 0.001), except for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection awareness. For this understanding, only 14.8% of Japanese students selected the correct answer, which was significantly lower than the 22.4% of Vietnamese students (p = 0.001). Both the Japanese and Vietnamese students had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the link between estrogen–progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer. Additionally, female students had better knowledge about breast, skin, and endometrial cancers than male students. Conclusions Japanese students generally exhibited higher levels of cancer knowledge than Vietnamese students, except for HPV infection recognition. Both groups had limited knowledge regarding the connection between HPV infection and cancer and the relationship between estrogen–progestogen menopausal therapy and breast cancer.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Giant Clear Cell Acanthoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

“…While the direct causative link between HPV infection and skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, is less clear and warrants further investigation, the existing literature underscores the potential for HPV to contribute to skin carcinogenesis through similar genomic and immunological pathways observed in other HPV-related malignancies. Targeted therapeutic strategies, including vaccination and immunotherapy, hold promise for the prevention and treatment of HPV-associated cancers, including potential implications for skin cancer management [33,[90][91][92][93] (See Supplementary Materials).…”