Association of cancer prevention awareness with esophageal cancer screening participation rates: Results from a population-based cancer screening program in rural China

Objective China have implemented population-based esophageal cancer (EC) screening programs, however, the participant rates were relatively low. This study was conducted to examine the association between cancer prevention knowledge and EC screening participation rates (PRs). Methods Data in the analyses were obtained from a population-based cancer screening program in four provinces in China since 2007. In the course of 2007−2016, participants who were evaluated as high risk for EC and subsequently recommended for endoscopy examination were included in the final analysis. One-way analysis of variance test, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied. Results A total of 28,543 individuals assessed as high-risk population for EC were included in this study, with 13,036 males (45.67%) and 15,507 females (54.33%). The prevalence rates of current smoking and alcohol drinking were higher in males (58.25% and 44.22%, respectively) than in females (5.35% and 4.05%, respectively). Participants of females, and those who had older age, lower income, as well as higher education level and cancer prevention knowledge level were more likely to undergo endoscopy. Multivariable analysis showed that higher cancer prevention knowledge was associated with higher PR for endoscopic screening [adjusted odd ratio (aORQ4/Q1) =1.511, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.398−1.632] among our study subjects. This association between cancer prevention knowledge and compliance with endoscopic screening also tends to be strong within subgroups of males, females, aged below 60 years, aged 60 years and above, and lower level of education (illiterate individuals and those with junior high education or less). Conclusions Our results displayed a positive relationship between cancer prevention knowledge and PRs for endoscopic screening, implying cancer prevention awareness being an independent influence factor for compliance with EC screening. Promoting public campaigns about comprehensive knowledge of cancer prevention seemed to be a reasonable and effective strategy to improve population PRs for EC screening.