Breast and colon cancer knowledge among community pharmacists in Yemen: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

BackgroundBreast and colon cancer are the most common types of cancer among cancer patients worldwide. Therefore, health practitioners, particularly community pharmacists, should be well-informed about breast and colon cancer. Proper education background and knowledge offer significant advantages, from early diagnosis to treatment, especially in poor countries that are suffering from conflicts and crises that have influenced healthcare services, such as Yemen.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Yemen between 1 May 2024 and 30 August 2024. It aims to assess community pharmacists' knowledge of breast and colon cancer in Yemen.ResultA total of 600 community pharmacists participated in this study. Twenty-five incompletely filled questionnaires were excluded from the study. Regarding community pharmacists' knowledge of breast cancer, 356 out of 575 had good knowledge, and 219 out of 575 had poor knowledge. Regarding community pharmacists' knowledge of colon cancer, 327 out of 575 had good knowledge, and 248 out of 575 had poor knowledge. The total scores of knowledge community pharmacists about breast and colon cancer were 7.55 ± 2.48 and 6.60 ± 2.81, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of the study indicate that most community pharmacists possess a good understanding of the risk factors and symptoms associated with breast and colon cancer. However, their knowledge does not meet the ideal level expected in the fight against cancer. We suggest that future studies also evaluate pharmacists' knowledge about other types of cancer.