Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles in Female Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia: Evaluation of a National Framework

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of an educational intervention, based on the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control, for raising lung cancer prevention-related awareness, and improving healthy lifestyles in female scholars from a lowincome area in Bogota, Colombia. Uncontrolled trial conducted in 243 female scholars (mean age 14 years ± 1.5 SD). Two 90 min educational sessions were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. Posters and other educational materials were created by scholars after the intervention. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire-The Cancer Awareness Measure-at pre and postintervention, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Smoking prevalence (8.2% at baseline) was reduced by 3.7% at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). The scholars exhibited low to moderate awareness of both warning signs and risk factors for lung cancer at baseline. These variables showed statistically significant improvements at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). Similar improvements were also found for physical activity, high-fat diet, and fruits and vegetable intake. This evaluation of the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control raised awareness towards lung cancer prevention, reduced smoking, and improved other healthy-lifestyle-related factors in a group of female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized controlled studies are needed.

Promoting lung cancer awareness, help-seeking and early detection: a systematic review of interventions

“…As for knowledge of LC signs, symptoms, and risk factors, a 90-min educational session significantly increased awareness of warning signs for LC and LC risk factors 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-test ( p < 0.001) ( Meneses-Echávez et al , 2018 ). Three before–after studies evaluated the impact of the UK campaign ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ on knowledge of LC signs and symptoms ( Ironmonger et al , 2015 ; Moffat et al , 2015 ; Power and Wardle, 2015 ).…”

Clinical File Management, Translational Research and Continuing Education for Cancer: a Single-unit Experience

“…The educational intervention in accordance with framework of cancer was developed as previously described 2,3 . The educational contents contain cancer warning signs and the role of healthy lifestyles on cancer prevention (Table 1) 4 .…”

“…We develop the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) with reference to prior studies on cancer 2 . The CAM is planned to assess awareness of cancer in the manner of validated questionnaire.…”