Abstract:

Background: Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with escalating incidence rates and profound impacts on healthcare systems. Among the various treatment modalities, radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in managing many malignancies, offering both curative and palliative options for patients. The efficacy of radiotherapy hinges not only on the treatment itself but also on patients' understanding and awareness of their diagnosis and treatment plan. Adequate awareness empowers patients to actively engage in treatment decision-making, adhere to treatment protocols, and navigate the psychosocial challenges associated with cancer care. Despite the pivotal role of awareness in cancer management, limited attention has been given to patients' awareness of their diagnosis and treatment plans, highlighting a critical gap in cancer care.

Objective: To evaluate the awareness level and underlying factors among cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, about their diagnosis and treatment plans.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design will be employed to collect data from cancer patients using structured questionnaires. Convenient sampling will be used to get the participants whereby individuals are selected based on their availability or willingness to participate in the study. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical analysis will then be performed using STATA computer software to evaluate levels of awareness and influencing factors.

Results: The overall patient awareness regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment, with an average awareness score of 4.33 out of 5. Most patients (83.65%) demonstrated high awareness, though gaps remained in specific cancer details, with 21.15% unable to correctly identify their cancer stage. Age was the only significant factor influencing awareness, with older patients showing lower levels. Other demographic factors like sex, education, and marital status did not significantly impact awareness. Healthcare workers were the primary source of information for 67.31% of patients, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies.

Conclusion: The study revealed high overall awareness among cancer patients at Bugando Medical Centre, with a significant understanding of diagnosis and treatment. Age was the sole significant factor affecting awareness, particularly impacting older patients. Despite high general awareness, gaps in specific cancer details exist. Effective communication by healthcare workers remains crucial, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions.