Annual Report 2006

17
Place of residence
of the interviewees
Jerusalem and
surrounding areas
Gush Dan (Tel
Aviv metropolitan
area) and the
Central Region
Haifa and the
North
Beer Sheva and
the South
Would
request a
test
Would not
request a
test
81.6% 18.4%
73.9% 26.1%
78.8% 21.2%
81.7% 18.3%
Sharon Area 72.7% 27.3%
Approx. 30% of the Israeli general population
is acquainted with someone who contracted
colorectal cancer. When the statistics of the
first question were compared with that of the
second question, a higher level of compliance
to request a physician's referral for the test
emerged among those who knew someone
who contracted the disease. About 86% of them
would ask to perform the test, as compared to
about 74% of those who did not know anyone
who contracted colorectal cancer. This attests to
higher willingness to perform the test when the
subject is personally acquainted with someone
who contracted the disease and consequently
is more aware.
Analysis of Public Attitudes
among Jews and Arabs regarding
Early Detection Survey Tests for
Colorectal Cancer
A new research study conducted by Dr. Feisel
Asaize and Dr. Miri Cohen, of the School of
Social Work in the Faculty of Social Welfare and
Health Studies at Haifa University, examined
the early detection colorectal cancer screening
rate among Jews and Arabs aged 50-75
in Israel. The research study encompassed
510 Jews and Arabs, a representative sample
of the adult population in Israel and surprising
findings emerged regarding compliance to
perform screening tests among the general
population in Israel and its attitudes towards
these tests. An analysis of the research study
uncovered several findings: 45% of the Jewish
interviewees reported that they had performed
a screening test at one point in time, whereas
the percentage was much lower (21%) among
Arab interviewees.
The Israel Cancer Association
Marks the first Prostate
Cancer Awareness Month in
Israel on September 12, 2006
The Israel Cancer Association marked the first
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month concomitant
to the month marked by other countries around
the globe. As this day approached, the ICA
launched a radio and press campaign, calling
upon the male population over the age of 50 to
take an interest in the subject, ask questions,
refer to a physician, and call the Telemeida teleinformation
service. Additionally, lectures open
to the public were delivered free of charge in
collaboration with the Israel Urology Association,
at ICA branches throughout the country.
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer
among males in Israel. According to up to date
statistics of the National Cancer Registry at the
Ministry of Health, each year 2,250 new cases
are diagnosed and about 380 men die from the
disease. An older age and family history increase
incidence rates. Family history of men with a father
who contracted the disease, are at a twofold
risk of contracting this type of cancer. Similarly,
unhealthy nutrition habits, alcohol consumption,
smoking and obesity are possible prevalence
factors, however further research studies are
required to reinforce this assertion. The prostate
cancer morbidity rates have been steadily
increasing over the past decade, and the older
a person is, the higher his/her risk of contracting
the disease. According to recommendations
made by the National Council of Oncology, it is
recommended to perform a combined TRUS +
PSA test once a year from the age of 50 among
the high risk population that has a family history
of prostate cancer.
Updated
Publications
Questions and Answers
about Smoking
(Hebrew/Arabic)
Rights and Services
(Hebrew/Arabic/Russian/
English)
Breast Cancer Early
Detection