European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:Cancer is a public health problem globally with an annual incidence of 19.3
million cases in 2020. This rising cancerincidence makes cancer prevention and treatment
apriority. Allied Healthcare workers are the most important and thelargest section of the
paramedical workforce.It had been reported that allied healthcareprofessionals are not
adequatelyeducated or aware about cancer risk factors, risk assessment, cancer vaccines and
cancer prevention.
Aim:This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with the aimof assessing
thelevel of knowledge, awarenessand attitude of allied healthcare students in our institution
aboutcancer prevention, cancer vaccines, HPV vaccines and attitude towards willingness to
get vaccinated.
Results:Out of 151 students 90% knew about Cancer Vaccines. Only 10% knew about the
therapeutic and preventives types of cancer vaccines. Only 2/3rd had the knowledge that HPV
causes cancer, cancer can be prevented by use of vaccine and were willing to take cancer
vaccine. Only 40% were aware about HPV vaccine and its names. Majority (95%) of them
were willing to take cancer vaccine if government provides free of cost.
Conclusion:There was limited knowledge of cancer prevention and specific cancer vaccines.
Awareness and Educational activities must be strengthened to increase the lacunae in
knowledge and improve the attitude of allied healthcare students about cancer vaccine.