Abstract:

Perception and knowledge of cancer remain poor in developing countries. Problems associated with cancer incidence include late reporting due to fear, ignorance and financial constrains relating to cancer screening. This study sought to determine the perception and knowledge of cancer among health workers in Lagos. Method: A mixed-method study design comprising a qualitative study (Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interview) and a quantitative study was employed to collect information from the staff of Military Hospital Lagos, southwest Nigeria. 30 Participants for the qualitative study were purposely recruited, while 200 participants for the quantitative study were selected using the proportional probability sampling technique after approval was received from the management of the hospital. Qualitative data was recorded using a recorder, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software at 95% CI, alpha set at 5%. Findings: The majority were women, 16(64.0%), with only 8(27%) of them under health insurance, with a minimum qualification of secondary school certificate, and mostly health attendants in the group discussion, while those in the interview group were all health professionals. The quantitative study revealed more males 106(53.0%), 73(36.5%) between 20-30 years, with 114(57.0%) married, over half, 122(61.0%) possessed a college degree, average income being >50-100 thousand naira monthly, 132(66.0%) respondents had health insurance. All cited fear and death sentence on hearing “cancer”, most had limited knowledge about cancer screening, only 5(2.5%) had any screening in the last 6 months.

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