# Beliefs about causes of cancer among students around the world

## TL;DR

This study explores how students worldwide understand cancer causes, finding gaps in knowledge about certain risk factors and highlighting the need for better education.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific knowledge gaps among students regarding cancer risk factors and compares awareness between medical and non-medical students.

## Key findings

- Students commonly identified smoking, alcohol, and sun exposure as cancer risk factors.
- Medical students showed greater awareness of cancer risk factors than non-medical students.
- Physical inactivity and viral infections were poorly recognized as cancer risk factors.

## Abstract

Early prevention, especially among young adolescence, could reduce cancer incidence. The aim of the study was to assess beliefs on cancer risk factors among students.

The study was conducted among 761 Polish students and 140 students from 32 other countries. The study was provided using an original, validated questionnaire.

The most commonly indicated cancer risk factors by both Polish and foreign students were smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, sunbathing/using tanning beds, exposure to ionizing radiation, diet, and exposure to harmful occupational factors. There is a gap in knowledge concerning some other risk factors: low physical activity, viral infection, and hormonal contraception. Students indicated genetic factors and smoking as a main cancer causes. Medical students were more aware of different cancer risk factors compared with non-medical students. Nationality (Polish/foreign), medical field of study, female, having cancer patient among friends/family, and living in bigger city were significantly associated with beliefs about different cancer risk factors.

Medical students demonstrated better knowledge about cancer causes than non-medical students, but it seems that the genetic factor is overestimated by students. It is necessary to provide education even among teenagers to increase cancer prevention. Special attention in raising awareness should be paid to cancer risk factors of physical inactivity and viral infection.