AVALIAÇÃO DO NÍVEL DE CONHECIMENTO DOS PACIENTES ATENDIDOS NA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA SOBRE A PREVENÇÃO DOS CÂNCERES DE CABEÇA E PESCOÇO

Abstract

Introduction: Head and neck cancer is a group of neoplasms that affect the upper aerodigestive tract. These neoplasms have varied symptoms, depending on the location of the tumor, severity and time of occurrence. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of the population, users of primary care, about the prevention and treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which information about knowledge about head and neck cancers, sociodemographic information, family history, clinical and treatment characteristics was collected. The collection was carried out in July 2019, in three Family Health Strategies in the city of Piripiri-PI. The research was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee with Opinion No. 3,221,522. Results and discussion: Most of the interviewees were single women with an average age of 44.4 years and low income. Among the questions asked, most of them did not know how to answer questions about general knowledge about these diseases. Another important factor is the low demand for health services. Conclusions: It was observed that the interviewees have misinformation regarding the prevention and treatment of this group of cancers, and it is necessary to strengthen popular health education actions.