Cancer Awareness Among Lebanese Adults, A Cross Sectional Study 

Background: Cancer burden in Lebanon is among the highest of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, but around one third of cases could be avoided by reducing exposure to avoidable risk factors. We explored population awareness of cancer risk factors, predictors of higher awareness and to what extent awareness correlates with behaviour. Methods: In 2019, we performed a cross-sectional study (N=726) that consisted of a questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews. Results: On spontaneous recall, pollution and smoking were the most mentioned causes of cancer. On average, 75% of risk factors were correctly recognized, 22% of non-carcinogenic factors, and 75% of protective factors. Woman and older people had better cancer risk awareness. Several non-carcinogenic factors are seen as more potent carcinogens than truly carcinogenic factors. There was a moderate correlation between awareness and behaviour for waterpipe, alcohol and physical activity. There was no such correlation for cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Awareness campaigns are important, but need to be embedded into national behaviour change programs so that other barriers to behaviour change are also tackled.