Awareness of risk factors for cancer among British adults

Awareness of risk factors for five common cancers was assessed in a represe ntative sample of 3 693 adults in the UK. Respondents were presented with a risk of 14 factors comprising IO which have established links with Various cancers (older age, many sexual partners, low fibre diet, smoking, a relat ive with the cancer, low fruit and vegetable diet, taking HRT/the contracep tive pill, being overweight, viruses or infection, and a high fat diet) and four so-called 'mythic' caused (food additives, overhead power lines, poll ution, stress). Out of 15 well-established associations between risk factor s and cancers, the average number correctly identified was 5. Women and tho se with higher levers of education got more correct. Endorsement of mythic causes was comparatively low (less than 5% for most cancers), but were high er in men and those with less education. These results are somewhat reassur ing in relation to the prevalence of erroneous beliefs, but raise considera ble concern about public understanding of well established causes. Better h ealth education will be needed to maximise public awareness of cancer preve ntion.