Cancer awareness surveyed by the Association of Medical and Pediatric Oncologists Keral (Ampok) revealed that despite the high awareness of cancer there are gaps in prevention and screening in Kerala
The survey conducted in October-Prosinka 2024 casts light on public knowledge, attitudes and procedures concerning risk factors of cancer, preventive strategies and screening.
The survey was involved in 2,443 individuals over 18 years of age, with 2,361 in Kerala. He was given a questionnaire in Malayalam, designed by a team of oncologists in the state.
A significant 90% of respondents reported a certain level of awareness of common cancer symptoms, and approximately 80% felt confident in identifying early symptoms. About 84% expressed concern about their personal risk of cancer. Almost 57% with certainty identified unhealthy lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity, addictive substance abuse) as cancer contributors
Almost 90% recognized smoking as a cause factor for cancer, and almost 73% recognized the role of alcohol consumption at an aggravating risk of cancer. The strong majority (91%) perceived a slight to strong link between the use of tobacco or alcohol and the risk of cancer.
Negative effect
One interesting finding was that 61% of participants believed that the depiction of tobacco and alcohol athletes and celebrities in films and advertisements had a negative impact on young people.
To the questions: “Do you believe that lifestyle plays a role in the risk of cancer” and “do you engage in regular checks or screening against cancer?” About 80% of respondents said that cancer screening has never managed to emphasize a significant gap between consciousness and preventive measures.
Despite the high general consciousness, several myths persisted. About 18% incorrectly associated with the use of mobile phones with cancer and 25% mistakenly combined even the safe use of pesticides with the risk of cancer.
Financial consequences
Regarding cancer treatment, financial consequences were the primary problem for 73% of respondents. While 38% feared the effectiveness of treatment, almost 50% were worried about side effects.
Only 15% believed that vaccines could prevent certain cancer. Only 29% were aware of the role of genetic testing in prevention and timely detection.
In particular, only 17% considered the diagnosis of cancer as a death penalty, and 66% believed that there was no stigma in their communities.
About 70% of participants quoted both internet/social media and healthcare workers as primary sources of information related to cancer.
Knowledge of knowledge
“Significant gaps in knowledge of specific preventive measures such as vaccination and genetic testing, associated with alarming low screening, require immediate attention,” said Aju Mathew, organizational chairman, ampok.
The results of the survey emphasize the importance of tailor -made development tailored interventions to deal with misconceptions and promoted preventive evidence -based behavior.
It is important to improve access to available and available cancer and treatment services, use digital platforms for extensive dissemination of accurate information, said Dr. Mathew.
Published – 26 June 2025 21:11
