THE cancer was chosen as the disease that should be treated as a priority by the government by 63% of Brazilians who participated in the Datafolha/Oncoguia survey.
The survey commissioned by the Oncoguia Institute and carried out in partnership with DataFolha heard 2,099 people in 151 Brazilian municipalities. The study has a confidence level of 95%, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points (plus or minus).
The results of the study “Perceptions of the Brazilian Population on Cancer” will be discussed at the 12th National Oncoguia Forum, which runs until April 29. At the event, industry experts discuss the main bottlenecks in access to early diagnosis in the country and present proposals for improvements in the area.
In the study, the researchers investigated the perceptions of Brazilians about cancer, the proximity of the disease and the relevance of the problem as a public health issue in the country.
When asked what comes to mind when the word cancer comes to mind, 42% of Brazilians reported negative feelings, with many mentions of the word death. Terms such as “disease”, “pain”, “fear”, “sadness” and “suffering” are others that appear more frequently.
Mentions of “treatment” and “cure” were made by only 14% and 9% of respondents,
respectively.
“This data shows us how much we need to continue raising awareness of the population about prevention, early diagnosis and so much news in the world of cancer. Having cancer is not the same as dying and this will depend on access to information, but also on access to health care”, said Luciana Holtz, president of the Oncoguia Institute, at the opening of the event.
According to Luciana, the negative perception of cancer can prevent people from seeking care and assistance in the face of symptoms.
The research reveals that cancer is getting closer to the population. The results show that 8 out of 10 Brazilians have known someone with the disease and that 4 out of 10 have had or have a family member with cancer. Among those interviewed, 5% reported living with the disease.
Participants were asked which of the chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) should be prioritized by the government. According to the survey, 63% of the population chose cancer first. Given the sum of the first three nominees, this number rises to
84%.
In second place, with 8%, society’s concern with alcohol abuse and cardiovascular diseases appears.
“We are facing a population that has been touched and negatively impacted by cancer, but that understands its relevance and asks governments to prioritize it. May this pertinent, urgent and enormously relevant context in fact gain the priority that the population and all those who defend the cause ask for. We need and can save lives”, said Luciana.
Physical activity prevents cancer
Performing physical activities as part of the daily routine contributes to protection against cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
Simple measures such as walking or cycling to work, climbing stairs instead of using elevators and practicing outdoor activities are some options to include or increase movement during the day to day.
According to Inca, physical activity promotes the balance of hormone levels, reduces gastrointestinal transit time, strengthens the body’s defenses and helps maintain adequate body weight. The improvements contribute to preventing bowel (colon), endometrial (uterine body) and breast cancer.
In order to bring the population closer to the benefits of physical activity in the prevention and control of cancer, Inca launched the document “Physical Activity and Cancer: recommendations for prevention and control”, in partnership with the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). ) and the Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health (SBAFS).
Source: CNN Brasil
