RT Journal Article
T1 Public Perceptions of the Role of Lifestyle Factors in Cancer Development: Results from the Spanish Onco-Barometer 2020.
A1 Petrova, Dafina
A1 Borrás, Josep Maria
A1 Pollán, Marina
A1 Bayo Lozano, Eloísa
A1 Vicente, David
A1 Jiménez Moleón, José Juan
A1 Sánchez, Maria José
K1 awareness
K1 cancer prevention
K1 lifestyle habits
K1 perceptions
K1 population-based survey
K1 public knowledge
K1 risk factors
AB The European Code against Cancer recommends not to smoke, to avoid alcohol consumption, to eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight to prevent cancer. To what extent is the public aware of the influence of these lifestyle factors on cancer development? The goal of the current study was to describe the perceived influence of four lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol, diet, and weight) on cancer development in the general population and identify factors related to low perceptions of influence. We analyzed data from the 2020 Onco-barometer (n = 4769), a representative population-based survey conducted in Spain. With the exception of smoking, lifestyle factors were among those with the least perceived influence, more so among the demographic groups at higher risk from cancer including men and older individuals (65+ years). Individuals from lower socio-economic groups were more likely to report not knowing what influence lifestyle factors have on cancer. Lower perceived influence was also consistently related to perceiving very low risk from cancer. Overall, although there is variation in perceptions regarding the different lifestyle factors, low perceived influence clusters among those at higher risk for cancer. These results signal the need for public health campaigns and messages informing the public about the preventive potential of lifestyle factors beyond avoiding tobacco consumption.
YR 2021
FD 2021-10-05
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10668/24693
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10668/24693
LA en
DS RISalud
RD Apr 7, 2025