Kevin Stein|Luhua Zhao|Corinne Crammer|Ted Gansler
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of beliefs regarding cancer risks
American Cancer Society|American Cancer Society|American Cancer Society|American Cancer Society
abstract background inaccurate beliefs cancer risk may contribute unhealthy lifestyle behaviors poor adherence recommended screening prevention guidelines address issue current study assessed prevalence sociodemographic correlates scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs cancer risk representative sample us population methods nine hundred fiftyseven us adults history cancer surveyed telephone survey included 12 statements cancer risk risk factors prevention framed contrary consensus current scientific evidence results participants inconsistent ability identify statements false appraisal accuracy associated several sociodemographic characteristics five 12 misconceptions endorsed true least quarter respondents uncertainty higher 15 7 statements time twothirds participants able identify 7 statements false average respondents endorsed fewer 3 statements true respondents male older nonwhite less educated lower income likely hold inaccurate beliefs conclusions notable percentage participants study hold beliefs cancer risk odds prevailing scientific evidence population segments least accurate knowledge also bear greatest burden cancer areas public education intervention efforts identified cancer 2007 2007 american cancer society