Cancer, a leading global cause of death, claimed nearly 10 million lives in 2020, with projections anticipating a surge to 27.5 million new cases by 2040 due to factors like population growth, aging demographics, and risky behaviors. This burden significantly impacts global life expectancy, ranking as a primary or secondary cause of death in 112 out of 183 countries before age 70. Studies in Southern India and North Cameroon underscore gaps in knowledge and awareness about specific cancers like cervical and breast cancer, respectively. Against this backdrop, this study conducted in the Khorda district of Odisha assesses the knowledge and attitudes of health workers towards cancer. Employing a non-experimental descriptive survey design, the study delves into socio-demographic variables, educational interventions, and years of experience among health workers, primarily females (78.94%) and married individuals (61.84%). The study revealed significant findings among health workers regarding cancer knowledge and attitudes. A strong positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.96, p < 0.0001) between knowledge and attitude was observed. T-test results (t = 28.93, p < 0.0001) confirmed significant differences in knowledge scores. Chi-square analysis showed religion was significantly associated with knowledge (?2 = 7.544, p = .023), while other socio-demographic factors were not significantly associated. This research lays a crucial foundation for understanding health workers' perceptions of cancer, providing valuable insights for tailored interventions. Future studies should explore the dynamic interplay of these factors to refine strategies for enhancing healthcare professionals' engagement in cancer care, thus mitigating the escalating burden of this disease.
Cancer Awareness, Healthcare Professionals, Knowledge Assessment, Attitude Assessment, Community Health Centers
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