Attitudes toward risk factors associated with cancer among college students

Incidence and mortality rates for cancer have risen steadily over the past three decades and costs the United States healthcare system over $264 billion annually. Cancer risk can be reduced by restricting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, eating a balanced diet, limiting sun exposure, exercising, and seeking routine cancer screenings. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of cancer risk factors among young adults with the intention to improve cancer prevention efforts. Researchers surveyed undergraduate and graduate students (n = 719) at a mid sized public university about their attitudes and knowledge regarding cancer risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, obesity, hypertension, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Results revealed that 99% of participants believed that exposure to UV rays and smoking increased risk of developing skin and lung cancer, respectively. Over half (54%) of participants reported not knowing if high blood pressure was a risk factor for cancer development. Respondents had little knowledge of what types of cancer are associated with HPV infection, with the exception of cervical cancer. Only 26% reported an association between HPV and head and neck cancer. Additionally, 65% were unaware that alcohol consumption increases risk of breast cancer. The findings suggest young adults are uninformed about the relationship between many health behaviors and cancer risk. Public health education efforts should focus on raising awareness in a younger population targeting identified knowledge gaps to lower cancer incidence and reduce the personal tragedy and societal burden of cancer.