Knowledge and beliefs about cancer in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population

Article Abstract:

The benefits of progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have not been shared equally by all Americans. Cancer occurs more commonly among the poor than among the affluent, and when it does occur, the poor are more likely to die. Some of the differences between the poor and the affluent are due to the differences in lifestyle. The most important behavioral difference may be smoking, which is more common among the poor. However, at least 50 percent of the disparity is thought to be due to delay in diagnosis of poor patients. Poor people are less likely to receive regular care, less likely to recognize early symptoms, and less likely to seek medical attention. Since some of these problems may stem from a lack of knowledge about cancer, a study was conducted to survey the knowledge and beliefs about cancer in a group of 128 economically disadvantaged cancer patients. Forty-two percent of the patients in this study had monthly incomes of less than $400. Interviews with these patients revealed many misconceptions about cancer. Only 58 percent of this group indicated that cigarette smoking could cause cancer. Forty-four percent said that vitamins could help cancer, and 37 percent indicated that faith healing could help. Sixty-one percent felt a bump or bruise could cause cancer. Twenty percent of the patients could not correctly identify the location of their own cancer. Various symptoms were regarded with differing degrees of seriousness by the patients; 91 percent would seek immediate help following a seizure, while only 10 to 20 percent would seek help for diarrhea, poor appetite, loss of hair, or headache. Women were less inclined than men to seek medical attention for a fever. Some of the misconceptions and attitudes of disadvantaged people towards cancer have a serious impact on their health. Education of this group may help to improve their use of available health care services. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Economic aspects, Cancer, Social status

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Changing demographics in the United States: implications for health professionals

Article Abstract:

In the year 2000, the United States will host a population far different from that of today. The most important change will be the average age of the population. The so-called ''baby boomers'' will reach their 65th birthdays between 2000 and 2020. Since the elderly require a disproportionately large measure of medical services, any reasonable health care plan will have to take this factor into account. The trend towards an older population will be complicated by the increasing plurality of older women. At the turn of the century, there were 96 men for every 100 women over the age of 75. In 1979, there were 45 men for every 100 women over 85, and by the year 2000 it is expected that there will be only 39 men for every 100 women over 85 years of age. Since women generally have fewer financial resources than men, this alteration in sex ratios of the elderly will have a direct impact upon the economics of health care. Another major change in the demographics of the population will be the shifting of the racial and ethnic profile. It is possible that white Americans of northern European descent could become a minority by the year 2000. The Hispanic population is growing at a rate five times greater than the rest of the United States, and is already making an impact on the health care system in parts of the country where the concentration of Hispanics is highest. For example, almost half of all cases of cervical cancer in Texas occur in Hispanic women. The rates of certain cancers vary among different ethnic groups, and it is clear that these differences must be taken into account in health care planning. Finally, health care planning for the future must consider the ethnic differences that may impede the effective delivery of health care to all Americans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Demographic aspects, Health planning, Population, Demographic transition

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