Knowledge of Cancer Genetics and the Importance of Genetic Testing: A Public Health Study.
Autor: | Al Shanbari N; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Alharthi A; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Bakry SM; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Alzahrani M; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Alhijjy MM; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Mirza HA; Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU., Almutairi M; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Maternity and Children Hospital, Buraidah, SAU., Ekram SN; Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU. |
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Jazyk: | angličtina |
Zdroj: | Cureus [Cureus] 2023 Aug 06; Vol. 15 (8), pp. e43016. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Aug 06 (Print Publication: 2023). |
DOI: | 10.7759/cureus.43016 |
Abstrakt: | Background Cancer represents a global concern as the second-leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a genetic disease that develops as a result of several genetic abnormalities and changes to specific genes. Thus, early preventive measures and clinical interventions can be implemented with impressive results using genetic testing and screening for hereditary susceptibility. Objectives The present study assessed the knowledge of cancer genetics and of the importance of genetic testing among the general population in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Makkah Province. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from November 2022 through December 2022. Results The study recruited 1,329 participants, the largest group of whom were 21-30 years old (n=524, 39.4%). About 60.1% of the respondents were female. The findings reveal that 52.52% of the respondents had poor knowledge, while only 4.82% exhibited good knowledge. Conclusion Approximately half the total participants possessed an inadequate understanding of cancer genetics and the importance of genetic testing. This indicates the need for awareness campaigns and programs to improve the general population's understanding of the genetic predisposition to cancer. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. (Copyright © 2023, Al Shanbari et al.) |
Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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