Pakistani urban population demonstrates a poor knowledge about cancers: A pilot survey

Background. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the perceptions and level of knowledge of a Pakistani urban population regarding presentations, risk factors, and screening of cancers. Methods. From 4 tertiary care hospitals, 439 subjects were recruited through convenient sampling method and interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Results. More than 90% of subjects demonstrated poor knowledge. Good knowledge was associated with female gender, being married, higher socioeconomic status, and level of education. Conclusions. Our sample demonstrates an inadequate knowledge regarding the presentations, risk factors, and screening of cancers. Efforts aiming to correct these deficiencies might result in a successful and cost-effective model for primary and secondary prevention of major cancers in Pakistan.