Common cancers in India: knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of urban slum dwellers in New Delhi

Summary ch questions: What is the level of knowledge and awareness of common cancers? What are the prevalent attitudes and behaviours relating to common cancers? ives: To assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding common cancers amongst urban slum dwellers in New Delhi. design: Field-based cross-sectional survey of an urban slum cluster. g: Slum clusters along Pankha Road, West New Delhi. ipants: Slum dwellers of selected slums. variables: Independent variables were sociodemographic factors. Dependent variables were knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding preventive and curative aspects of common cancers. tical analysis: Proportions, confidence intervals, tests of significance and multiple logistic regression. s: Only 13% (10.6–15.7%) of the study participants were aware of Pap smears, and only 2% (1.1–3.3%) were able to identify all the common signs of cancer. However, 87% (84.4–89.5%) of the study participants knew that tobacco is a risk factor for cancer. Overall, 51% (47.2–54.7%) had some knowledge pertaining to cancer. sion: A focused, concerted and effective information, education and communication drive is urgently needed for all aspects of common cancers in India.