The novel Blood Cancer Awareness Measure tool could identify gaps in the public's knowledge of hematologic malignancy symptoms and aid in the development of future awareness campaigns designed to save lives, according to a new study published by Boswell et al in BMC Cancer and Whitaker et al in Psycho-Oncology.
Background
Researchers revealed that the new tool is intended to quantify public knowledge of symptoms of hematologic malignancies—including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United Kingdom.
"Tools such as these are vital to help improve earlier diagnosis of cancer. Assessing public awareness of cancer symptoms helps us identify knowledge gaps within the population and recommend remedies,” highlighted senior study author Katriina Whitaker, BSc, MSc, PhD, CPsychol, Professor of Psychology and Leader of Cancer Care at the University of Surrey School of Health Sciences. "Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives. However, for [hematologic malignancies], symptoms are less known, and [patients] often attribute them to other ailments—slowing down the diagnosis process," she emphasized.
Study Methods and Results
In the new study, which included a validated online survey and a series of interview questions, the researchers enrolled 434 individuals. They found that 52% of them had experienced at least one potential hematologic malignancy symptom—with participants reporting an average of two symptoms.
Using the Blood Cancer Awareness Measure tool, the researchers discovered that:
- Nearly 70% of individuals were not aware that night sweats are a symptom of hematologic malignancies and 56% of them did not recognize rashes and itchy skin as an indicator of the disease.
- Unexplained weight loss and unexplained bleeding were the most known symptoms of hematologic malignancies—recognized by 70% and 65% of participants.
- Men had a lower knowledge of hematologic malignancy symptoms than women, who were twice as likely to recognize bruising as a sign of the disease.
The researchers also investigated the role of patient enablement—a patient's ability to understand and cope with disease and life after a physician consultation—for those experiencing potential symptoms of hematologic malignancies.
Following a series of questions to determine the level of patient enablement, the researchers noted that those who scored highly on patient enablement were less likely to seek help from their physicians regarding potential hematologic malignancy symptoms. However, patient enablement was important for reconsultation behavior, which is important when experiencing hematologic malignancy symptoms.
Conclusions
"Timely diagnosis is crucial for those facing a [hematologic malignancy] diagnosis, which is the UK's fifth most common cancer [type]. This new tool is a significant step towards understanding the gaps in public awareness of … symptoms. By identifying these knowledge gaps, it can help shape impactful awareness campaigns that have the potential to save lives,” highlighted Rincy George, MSc, a policy officer at Blood Cancer UK. "It remains crucial that people can recognize the signs of [hematologic malignancies] including unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or itchy skin. If [individuals] have any concerns or questions about [hematologic malignancy] symptoms, [they shouldn’t] hesitate to speak to … dedicated specialist nurses,” she concluded.
Individuals can access the novel Blood Cancer Awareness Measure tool at surrey.ac.uk.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit link.springer.com and onlinelibrary.wiley.com.
