January 30, 2023
How do you convince as many people as possible to adopt a healthy lifestyle that reduces the risk of developing cancer? This is, ultimately, the objective of the Cancer barometer published regularly by the National Cancer Institute. The latest edition reveals that many misunderstandings persist in the minds of the French.
What do the French know about cancer? Are they aware of the risk factors? Do they feel sufficiently informed? The Cancer 2021 barometer, published on January 30, aims to “better understand the opinions, perceptions or even behaviors of the French on cancer to better guide”. Because our way of life has a significant impact on our risk of developing cancer. Moreover, it is estimated that “more than 40% of cancers are linked to our lifestyles and our environment”, recalls the National Cancer Institute (INCa). It is therefore possible, by adopting certain good habits and avoiding risk factors, to ward off danger.
Alcohol and tobacco under-mentioned
The barometer reveals the existence of many misunderstandings concerning these contributing factors. First of all concerning tobacco and alcohol, respectively the first and second risk factors for cancer.
Despite a good level of knowledge, “the perceived dangerousness threshold in number of cigarettes smoked (…) remains very high, as well as the perceived dangerousness threshold in number of years of smoking (13.4 years on average)”. Clearly, the French think that it is necessary to smoke more and longer compared to reality, so that it is harmful to their health.
On the alcohol side, 8 out of 10 respondents believe that road accidents and violence are the main risks associated with alcohol consumption” and don’t think about cancer.
These two risk factors, although major, remain insufficiently mentioned by health professionals. Only 5.4% of respondents said that the subject of alcohol had been discussed in consultation. A track to explain the misconceptions that persist?
UV, alimentation, HPV…
Other lifestyle habits expose people to a particular tumour. This is the case with excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, both natural and artificial, which increase the risk of skin cancer. A widely known reality with regard to natural rays since “more than 9 out of 10 people (95.7%) declare that exposure to the sun constitutes a risk of cancer”. On the other hand, the impact of artificial UV remains poorly estimated. “One in 5 people (20.9%) believe that cabin UV sessions are less harmful than the sun”signals the barometer.
Unbalanced diet is recognized as a cancer risk factor for 91.8% of people questioned. “ This result has evolved significantly and positively over the past 10 years”, rejoice the editors of the barometer. But, in detail, “the benefits associated with the consumption of whole starches and dairy products are little perceived (36.6% and 12.7%, respectively), as are the risks associated with the consumption of food supplements”.
Screenings in difficulty
To prevent cancer, changing your lifestyle is not enough. The effectiveness of screening in terms of prevention is now well established. However, the rates of participation in measures organized against breast, cervical and colorectal cancers remain insufficient. For example, “only a minority of people in the age group concerned (43%) declare that they are up to date with colorectal cancer screening”. That being so, “an overwhelming majority of smokers say they are ready to participate in a possible screening for lung cancer”.
To note : the recommendation to vaccinate boys against HPV remains largely unknown since only 36.3% of those questioned were aware of it.