Debunking Cancer Myths: Understanding Cancer Awareness and Misconceptions among Patients in Türkiye

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a major global health concern with modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Low public awareness of evidence-based risk factors and common cancer myths hamper prevention efforts. This study evaluated the awareness of evidence-based risk factors and the prevalence of cancer myths among patients in Denizli, T & uuml;rkiye.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pamukkale University Hospital between 1 February 2024 and 15 February 2024. A total of 747 participants were recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed awareness of both evidence-based cancer risk factors and cancer myths. The questionnaire included the Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale (CAM-MYCS) and a scale assessing evidence-based cancer risk factors. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and backward linear regression.Results: The mean CAM-MYCS score was 20.9 +/- 26.4, reflecting substantial variability in beliefs about cancer myths. The mean score for the evidence-based cancer risk factor scale was 57.3 +/- 23.1, suggesting a moderate awareness of evidence-based cancer risk factors. The mean total cancer awareness score was 44.1 +/- 16.6, reflecting an overall moderate level of cancer awareness. Linear regression analysis identified higher education, seeking information from healthcare professionals and scientific books/articles, and self-perceived knowledge of cancer prevention as significant predictors of total cancer awareness.Conclusion: This study highlights that despite a moderate level of awareness of evidence-based cancer risk factors, the high prevalence of cancer myths contributes to inadequate awareness of evidence-based cancer risk factors among the Turkish population. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to correct misconceptions and promote evidence-based knowledge to reduce the risk of cancer.