Cancer Knowledge and Environmental Exposure Awareness Among Healthcare Workers and the General Public in Istanbul: A Cross-Sectional Study

Önal, Ayşe Emel; Gündoğdu, Beyza Püren Selcan; Aslan, Melek Nur; İpekoğlu, Hasan; Demir, Ömer Serdıl; Önal, Mehmet Erinç; Altuğ, Mustafa Oğuz; Hasanusta, Münevver; İnce, Gülsüm Nurhan; Ören Çelik, Meryem Merve

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.6.2107

Cancer Knowledge and Environmental Exposure Awareness Among Healthcare Workers and the General Public in Istanbul: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Public Health, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkiye.

² Community Medicine Application Research Center, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkiye.

³ Fatih District Health Directorate, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, Istanbul, Turkiye.

⁴ Silivri District Health Directorate, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, Istanbul, Turkiye.

⁵ Department of Family Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkiye.

10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.6.2107

Abstract

Objectives: A substantial proportion of cancers are preventable, yet awareness of risk factors and screening remains limited. This study assessed disparities in knowledge of cancer epidemiology, screening, and environmental risk factors between healthcare workers(HCWs) and the general public(GP) in two urban districts of Istanbul, and identified associated sociodemographic and behavioral determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 309 participants using a structured 42-item questionnaire covering cancer epidemiology (15 items), screening (9), and environmental risk factors(18). Each correct response scored one point. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.944). Knowledge levels were analyzed across subgroups. Results: HCWs scored significantly higher than the GP in all domains: epidemiology (7.7 ± 3.6; 6.4 ± 2.8), screening (5.2 ± 2.7; 2.6 ± 2.1), and environmental risks (12.5 ± 5.0; 10.7 ± 5.7). Higher education, better income, and health-promoting behaviors were associated with increased knowledge. Despite this, notable gaps persisted. Breast cancer was widely recognized (86.1% HCWs; 81.9% GP), whereas awareness of lethal cancers like liver cancer was low (12.2% HCWs; 4.6% GP). Screening knowledge varied: HCWs were more aware of breast cancer screening; prostate and lung cancer screening were poorly recognized, particularly by the GP. While radiation risks were commonly known, links between smoking and non-lung cancers were largely unknown. Conclusion: Despite national programs, critical gaps in knowledge persist across all domains, including among HCWs. These disparities, shaped by education, income, and behavior, undermine prevention efforts. Tailored education strategies are needed to improve knowledge, especially environmental cancer literacy, and promote early detection in both groups.

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