A Study to Assess the Perceptions, Beliefs, and Misconceptions about Cancer among Cancer Patients in Selected Cancer Hospitals of Punjab

The present study was carried out to assess the perceptions, beliefs and misconceptions about cancer. The objectives of the study were to assess the perceptions, beliefs, and misconceptions about cancer among cancer patients in selected cancer hospitals of Punjab and to find out their relationship with socio-demographic variables. An exploratory descriptive research approach has been employed to conduct the present study. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed based on the relevant reviewed literature, consulting experts in the field of oncology, psychology, nursing and the personal clinical experience of the researcher. The Pilot study was conducted on 10% of population in similar setting to test the feasibility of the tool. By convenient sampling technique, sample of 100 subjects was included from the selected cancer hospitals. By employing interview method data was collected in the month of April, 2010. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed by using both descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, mean percentage and standard deviation) and inferential (F-test and unpaired t-test) statistical measures. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that a vast majority of study subjects were having low level of misconceptions. This is an indicator of public unawareness about cancer. Numerous factors can influence the perceptions of cancer patients' e.g. exposure to hospitals, contacts with the oncologists and other cancer patients etc. However, still there are some misconceptions which are widely prevalent among cancer patients. Hence, there is need to create correct awareness about cancer and educational programs for cancer patients should be organized to enhance their level of knowledge thereby dispel their myths and misconceptions about cancer.