Table 1 Questionnaires used for measuring knowledge about breast and prostate cancer - and cancer treatment. Correct answers are indicated with an “X”

Statements about breast cancer:

FALSE

1

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Norway?

2

We know for sure that diet could influence the chances of developing breast cancer?

X

3

New lumps in the breast among young women varying in size with the menstrual cycle, are most probably breast cancer?

X

4

In most cases, breast cancer causes no symptoms and is detected by mammography screening?

5

Tissue analyses can reveal whether a breast cancer tumor has hormone receptors?

6

Breast cancer usually occurs in the breasts’ glandular tissue?

7

Chemotherapy only affects cancer cells?

X

8

It is completely safe to use alternative therapies during chemotherapy for breast cancer?

X

9

To avoid infections during chemotherapy, I should stay at home as much as possible?

X

10

The chemotherapy is given every 3 weeks?

11

Chemotherapy prevents cell division?

12

During chemotherapy I can eat what I want?

13

Radiotherapy causes pain during the irradiation?

X

14

Radiotherapy only affects cancer cells and not normal cells?

X

15

Smoking can reduce the efficacy of radiotherapy?

16

Radiotherapy is given each weekday except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for 5–6 weeks?

17

Hormone therapy increases the amount of female hormones in the body and thus inhibits growth of breast cancer cells?

X

18

Hormonal therapy is recommended for 5 years after you have removed your breast?

19

Fever during chemotherapy is normal and not something you should be concerned about

X

20

Is it recommended to avoid antiemetics until you become nauseous?

X

21

Nausea usually occurs immediately after the chemotherapy is administered and lasts for 2 days?

X

22

During chemotherapy I should avoid drinking much since this can reduce the effect of the treatment?

X

23

Fever during chemotherapy may be a symptom of severe side-effects and I should immediately contact emergency services or the cancer clinic?

24

Fever is most accurately measured in the rectum?

25

Side effects of radiotherapy occur immediately after the first treatment and usually resolve the day after the last treatment?

X

Overall

Statements about prostate cancer:

FALSE

1

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Norway?

X

2

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in Norway?

3

We know for sure that your diet can affect the chances of developing prostate cancer?

X

4

A thin and weak urinary stream could be a symptom of prostate cancer?

5

Anemia could be a symptom of prostate cancer?

6

Nocturnal urination could be a symptom of prostate cancer?

7

An elevated PSA-level means having prostate cancer?

X

8

The radiotherapy starts the same day as the CT planning scan is performed?

X

9

The urethra passes through the prostate gland?

10

The prostate gland is located directly in front of the rectum?

11

It is not a problem to skip radiotherapy for a week?

X

12

Radiation therapy only affects cancer cells and not normal cells?

X

13

Gold grains are inserted into the prostate gland because it can have a healing effect on the cancer?

X

14

During the radiotherapy I should avoid drinking too much because it can cause unnecessary bladder irritation?

X

15

During radiotherapy I should stay as sedentary as possible and avoid physical activity?

X

16

Alcohol should be avoided during the treatment period?

X

17

Smoking can reduce the efficacy of radiotherapy?

18

It is completely safe to use alternative therapies during radiotherapy for prostate cancer?

X

19

The purpose of adding hormonal therapy to radiotherapy is to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells?

20

Side effects of radiotherapy occur immediately after the first treatment day and usually resolve the day after the last treatment day?

X

21

Diarrrhea and mucous stools is a common side effect of radiotherapy?

22

There is no treatment for radiotherapy-induced diarrhea?

X

23

During radiotherapy, the skin may become sore in the area being treated?

X

24

Radiotherapy-induced pain and haematuria indicate that the treatment is ineffective?

X

25

It is normal to be sore in the irradiated parts of the body a few weeks after the treatment has been completed?

Overall