Resumo

TAVARES, Amélia et al. Public Awareness of Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer Among the Population of Vila Nova de Gaia. J Port Gastrenterol. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.5, pp.230-238. ISSN 0872-8178.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a decline in the worldwide incidence of gastric cancer, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death (700.000/year). Thus, the prevention of gastric cancer is an essential strategy for controlling this disease. For primary prevention of gastric cancer, public awareness of risk factors and the need to change the habits of life are essential steps. In Portugal, no studies have been conducted so far to assess the level of knowledge of the etiopathogenesis and the awareness concerning the need for screening of this disease in our population. OBJECTIVES: This study is based on a population survey aimed to provide information on the level of awareness of the population of the district of Vila Nova de Gaia, about the risk factors for the development of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The inquiry given to patients was sent to Minor Surgical Procedures, of the Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho E.P.E., from March to September 2010. Statistical analysis was performed using the program PASW 18. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After statistical analysis, we found that most of the responders had no perception of the high incidence of gastric cancer in our population. About 65% think that the mortality rate of this disease is moderate, and 42% believed to have a low or very low risk of developing gastric cancer. All these factors together can lead to a low concern regarding this disease. Moreover, it was found that the main risk factors mentioned by participants were alcohol, gastric ulcer and tobacco. Only 13% reported infection by Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor for gastric cancer. Thus, to allow a efficient primary prevention of gastric cancer, it is essential that the public have knowledge about the risk factors that are potentially reversible. This knowledge and the screening in high-risk individuals could reduce the mortality rate for gastric cancer.

Palavras-chave : Gastric cancer; primary prevention; awareness; risk factors.

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