Some signals cannot wait: effects of a national campaign on early detection of cancer among Dutch adults (>55 years).
BACKGROUND
The present study examined the effects of the campaign "early detection of cancer" on knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and intention to perform passive detection and timely seeking medical help. Further, the campaign was evaluated on recall and recognition and the various campaign components were evaluated.


METHODS
A longitudinal study using a Solomon four-group design among 784 Dutch adults aged 55 years and older was conducted. Data was gathered by means of telephone interviews.


RESULTS
The results showed moderate levels of campaign awareness. After the campaign, solely respondents who received a pre-test questionnaire and were aware of the campaign had significant higher cancer knowledge levels regarding passive detection. Respondents who were only aware of the campaign were significantly more willing to perform passive detection behavior and to timely seek medical help in the future. Further, they were more aware that paying attention to cancer warning signs can lead to early detection of cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that solely the combination of the pre-test questionnaire and exposure to the campaign had a significant positive impact on respondents' cancer knowledge levels. The effects of the campaign on intention and awareness are indistinct and could be a consequence of (the results of) a self-selection bias. It seems that the dose, frequency, and duration of the campaign should be increased in order to substantiate the effects of the campaign.
Reubsaet
Astrid
A
Care and Public Health Research Institute, The Netherlands.
van Osch
Liesbeth A D M
LA
de Vries
Hein
H
de Coul
Maaike R Op
MR
Lechner
Lilian
L
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009426:Netherlands; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D015983:Selection Bias; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires