How Accurate Is Our Knowledge About Cancer Prevention, E-Cigarettes and End-of-Life Decisions?

Although research has shown that half of all cancer cases are preventable, a study in the USA found that out of every 4 people, only 1 said they used cancer prevention methods in everyday life. This survey showed that, regarding known cancer risk factors, awareness is low, while a substantial number of people hold mistaken beliefs that artificial sweeteners and cell phones cause cancer , illustrating misconceptions among respondents.

The survey found that among approximately every 4 young adults (aged 18-38), 1 believed e-cigarettes were harmless and nonaddictive. Out of every 10 people, 3 thought flavored e-cigarettes were less harmful to human health than unflavored ones.

• Related topic: Our Research on Electronic Cigarettes

In addition, although out of every 10 Americans, 9 said it was important for doctors and patients to make time to discuss end-of-life care , in reality, among every 4 cancer patients, only 1 is known to have discussed this with their doctors.

The National Cancer Opinion Survey The Harris Poll analytics company conducted this large national survey online. The survey took place on 9-10 August 2019. US citizens aged 18 or older participated, numbering 4001. In addition, 1009 people with cancer or a history of cancer participated.

The survey helped us better understand people’s thoughts on various cancer-related issues and exposures. The findings draw attention to the current state of cancer prevention and support the need for education on this subject from an early age.

Knowledge About Cancer Prevention

Out of every 10 adults, 6 (57%) reported concern about developing cancer during their lives, yet among every 4 adults, only 1 (24%) said they cared deeply about cancer prevention and used strategies to reduce their risk in everyday life. In addition, 25% of respondents believed there was nothing they could do to prevent cancer.

Tobacco use, diet, sun exposure, alcohol consumption and other lifestyle choices can have substantial effects on the risk of developing or recurring common cancers. Although it is never too late to make healthy choices, action to reduce cancer risk is particularly critical for young people because cancer can take many years to develop.

Cancer Risk Factors and Knowledge Gaps

Among 10 respondents, 8 (81%) thought there was a great deal of information about causes of cancer, but most people have difficulty understanding which information is reliable . On which sources to trust about cancer-causing factors, 66% of participants said they were unsure. A similar proportion also reported difficulty understanding the most important actions they should take to reduce cancer risk.

Few people are aware of lifestyle factors that increase cancer risk:

• Of respondents, 36% are aware that obesity is a risk factor for cancer .

• Of respondents, 31% recognize alcohol as a cancer risk factor . There are also misconceptions about cancer-causing factors in humans. For example, despite insufficient evidence , respondents were found to believe:

• 28%, that artificial sweeteners cause cancer,

• 16%, that cell phones cause cancer,

• 9%, that caffeine causes cancer , according to the findings.

Today, people are more likely to obtain cancer prevention information from the internet than from doctors: 24% of respondents had searched online for ways to lower their cancer risk. Of participants, 22% reported discussing their cancer risk with a doctor, while 18% had discussed what they should do to reduce that risk.

Everyone should regularly discuss reducing chronic disease and cancer risks with their physicians. If people want to supplement these discussions with online sources, they should use sources approved by specialist medical associations or those whose every claim is supported by scientific evidence.

Assessing End-of-Life Care

Out of every 10 respondents, more than 9 (91%) believed patients and doctors should discuss end-of-life care. Yet only a minority of patients with cancer or their relatives had discussed it with their doctors:

• 26% of patients with cancer,

• 22% of people with cancer in their family or among loved ones,

• 35% of people caring for cancer patients had discussed this topic with their doctors.

These rates are probably much lower in our country, and many people do not sharetheir end-of-life wishes. In the study, 25% of those who thought about their end-of-life care and wishes said they had shared these thoughts with no one, including family members.

Planning end-of-life care in advance is very important in advanced cancer or any disease; patients and doctors should evaluate all possible care options and plan for the one consistent with patients’ wishes and goals. This may ease the emotional and even financial burden on patients and their loved ones.