| dc.description.abstract | Cancers are a group of non-communicable diseases which is characterized by abnormal
multiplication of cells of cells beyond the limited boundaries (Brown. et al., 2023). Among women
the most common cancer is, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer
among others (Franasiak. Et al 2016). Anxiety as one of the frequently occurring mental health
disorders, is a condition characterized by excessive worry for at least 6 months with difficulty
controlling the worry with symptoms of restlessness, easy fatigability, irritability, muscle tension
among others according to DSM5 criteria. Cancer is one of the feared diseases among the young
females and creates anxiety which is influenced by various factors such as having genetic
predisposition, family history of cancer and cultural believes among others, resulting to different
consequences such as people being less open to screening or even turning religion as a way to cope
with the anxiety among other ways.
In these research we explored on the effect and extent of cancer anxiety among the healthy young
females of between 20-40 years among people of Kisumu central and how it affected their health
seeking behavior.
The study design used was descriptive cross-sectional study design. 52 young healthy females
aged 20-40years residing in Kisumu central constituency who had given informed consent were
interviewed using structured closed and open ended questionnaire.
Results indicated a significant prevalence of cancer anxiety among the residence of Kisumu central
constituency, 59.6% (n=31), with concerns many centers around the fear of getting the diagnosis,
the treatment, financial burden and social stigma. The main risk factors to cancer anxiety were
family history of cancer,36.5%(n=20) and preexisting history of mental health related
disorders,46.2%(n=28). The majority of the respodents did not seek any help for their cancer
anxiety 51.9%(n=30). This has resulted to them seeking information mainly on the
internet,94.2%(n=50) hence showing a desire to gain more knowledge about the disease. However,
the information from social media friends, since it not accurate it contributes to more anxiety and
less to approaching cancer screening.
The research highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions and awareness programs
to the community to address cancer related anxiety which will allow people to reduce their anxiety
and have better turn outs for screening | en_US |
