Evaluating a Community-Based Behaviour Change Communication Model to Prevent Cholangiocarcinoma in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Liver cancer, specifically cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is very common in different areas in Thailand. Many factors make this cancer more common, such as liver fluke infection, older age, eating raw fish, family history of cancer, alcohol intake, taking certain medicines (praziquantel), low intake of fresh vegetable, and low education. In 2015, researchers from Khon Kaen University developed the Community-based Health Education and Communication (CHEC) program to prevent liver cancer caused by liver flukes in communities of the Khon Kaen province, Thailand. The main aim of this 5-year research study is to enhance the CHEC program to prevent liver cancer, and test if it is effective in improving the knowledge and behaviours of community residents regarding how to prevent liver cancer. This study will take place in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Other aims are to: 1. Increase understanding in the community that make it difficult to prevent liver cancer, as well as community characteristics that can help prevent liver cancer; 2. Incorporate the program we develop in healthcare to prevent liver cancer in Thailand.