CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 30, 92-98, Copyright
© 1980 by American Cancer Society
Public Attitudes Toward Cancer and Cancer Tests
Progress has been made in educating the public about many aspects of cancer and cancer tests, but there are still important areas where physicians can educate their patients. The recent study demonstrates:
• The public underestimates cancer incidence but overestimates mortality.
• Less educated people and men are less likely to have physical examinations and therefore may be less likely to discover cancer at an earlier stage.
• The public does not view any of the standard cancer treatments as optimal.
• Continued effort by physicians is needed to maintain and reinforce public awareness of cancer's warning signals.
• All physicians should be aware that there is a disturbingly low level of public awareness of colorectal cancer.
• Emphasis should be placed on how women perform breast self-examination; most women perform it inadequately. A great majority of women reported that they would welcome help from physicians.
• Women need more information about breast reconstruction.
• Most women are unfamiliar with endometrial cancer but express interest in the endometrial tissue sample test when made aware of it.
• Unfortunately, seven out of 10 smokers believe that they can be cured of lung cancer if they develop it. This is unwarranted optimism about one of the least curable forms of cancer.
