In Luxembourg, additional efforts still need to be made to better inform the population regarding cancer and ensure effective prevention.
This is what the results of a new survey carried out by Ilres for the Cancer Foundation indicate. About a third of the respondents might not spontaneously name a symptom of cancer. In the previous survey, which dates back five years, this was the case for only a fifth of respondents.
But the less people are informed, the less they tend to go to the doctor. In addition, more than half of respondents were unaware that night sweats or unexplained bouts of fever can indicate cancer. Generally, people should go for check-ups when something goes wrong as usual, according to Dr. Carole Bauer, chairwoman of the board of directors of the Cancer Foundation.
ONLY A THIRD OF RESPONDENTS ARE INFORMED OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE
There is also a clear lack of awareness of cervical cancer. Only 27% of those questioned consider that a vaccine once morest the papillomavirus is an effective prevention once morest cancer. Since the beginning of this year, this vaccine is however recommended for all young boys and girls, aged 9 to 14 years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women.
Nearly half of the people interviewed for this survey were of the opinion that cancer is hereditary, whereas genetic factors are not so decisive. Environmental factors tend to be considered more harmful by respondents than individual behavior. And nearly 20% of those surveyed were unaware of the negative health consequences of smoking shisha.
According to the Cancer Foundation, what would be positive, on the other hand, is that people might now better assess the risks associated with alcohol consumption and that 93% of patients would feel in good hands during their cancer treatment.
