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Abhishek Shankar



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    EP1.10 - Prevention and Tobacco Control (ID 200)

    • Event: WCLC 2019
    • Type: E-Poster Viewing in the Exhibit Hall
    • Track: Prevention and Tobacco Control
    • Presentations: 1
    • Moderators:
    • Coordinates: 9/08/2019, 08:00 - 18:00, Exhibit Hall
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      EP1.10-03 - Level of Awareness of Various Aspects of Lung Cancer Among College Students in India: Do We Need to Make Youth Awareness an Important Agenda?   (ID 2981)

      08:00 - 18:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Abhishek Shankar

      • Abstract

      Background

      Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality among men in India and incidence is increasing, but actually, they are largely preventable diseases. In India, advanced stage at the time of presentation is responsible for high mortality and morbidity and early detection is the only way to reduce it. The purpose of this study is to know the level of awareness of various aspects of lung cancer among college students to ensure prevention and early detection.

      Method

      This assessment was part of Pink Chain Campaign—a campaign on cancer awareness. During the cancer awareness events in 2017–2018 at various colleges in Delhi , pre-test related to lung cancer was followed by awareness programme. Post-test using the same questionnaire was conducted at the end of interactive session, at 6 months and 1 year.

      Result

      A total of 2571 out of 3200 students participated in the study (overall response rate was 80.3 %). Mean age of the study population was 19 years (range 17-21 years). There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge regarding lung cancer at 6 months, and this was sustained at 1 year. Among students who were just asked yes or no question, 229 students (8.9 %) were smokers and 423 students (16.4 %) were alcoholics. Internet and Newspapers were sources for knowledge in 72 % of students, whereas approximately 29 % of students were educated by TV and Magazines regarding various aspects of lung cancer. Post awareness at 6 months and 1 year, Pink Chain Campaign was the major source of knowledge related to lung cancer in more than 90 % of students by continuous and timely update on subject. Post awareness at 6 months and 1 year, there was a significant change in alcohol and smoking habits. Major reasons for not going for check-up were ignorance (52.9 %), fear (24.2 %) and lethargic attitude (29.4 %) initially, but over time, lack of time, lethargic attitude and hesitation became important factors after knowing various aspects of lung cancer.

      Conclusion

      Knowledge of lung cancer due to smoking was known to most of the students but students were not well aware about environmental determinants of lung cancer. Overall awareness of risk factors, sign and symptoms, screening modalities of lung cancer has improved in a year along with practices related to smoking and alcohol, but there was not much improvement in people undergoing regular check-ups. To inculcate safe practices in the lifestyle of people, awareness programmes Such as the Pink Chain Campaign should be conducted more widely and frequently.

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    ES20 - Strategies for Cancer Patients to Have Optimal Outcomes (ID 23)

    • Event: WCLC 2019
    • Type: Educational Session
    • Track: Prevention and Tobacco Control
    • Presentations: 1
    • Now Available
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      ES20.02 - Why It Matters for Patients to Quit - What We’ve Done (Now Available) (ID 3263)

      14:00 - 15:30  |  Presenting Author(s): Abhishek Shankar

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Abstract

      Smoking after a cancer diagnosis causes adverse outcomes including increasing overall mortality, cancer specific mortality, and risk for second primary cancer. Continued smoking is also associated with increased toxicity from cancer treatment. The best method to prevent the adverse effects of smoking is to assist patients with quitting. However, large surveys consistently demonstrate that while most providers ask about tobacco use and advise patients to quit, most oncologists unfortunately do not provide assistance. Predictive barriers to providing assistance with quitting include a lack of time, education, and resources. Continued smoking after a diagnosis can result in substantial added cancer treatment costs, which can be used to justify resources to assist patients with quitting. Methods to assist patients include counseling and pharmacotherapy. Considering in person or phone based approaches to cessation support is important to implement effective and sustainable changes within each practice setting. As approaches are implemented, significant opportunity exists to increase the efficiency of smoking cessation in cancer care. Additional opportunities exist for identifying optimal cancer treatment strategies for cancer patients who smoke. The key to realizing the clinical and financial benefits of addressing tobacco use in cancer care is the systemic incorporation of standardized approaches to identifying tobacco use, providing assistance for patients to quit, and tracking tobacco use after diagnosis in combination with monitoring clinical outcomes.”

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