Submission ID 130348
| Issue/Objective | Cancer prevention in low- and middle-income countries is still largely driven by awareness campaigns, but increasing awareness does not always change behaviour. Among young adults, perceptions of risk are often shaped by factors that are less visible, including stigma, misconceptions, and a tendency to avoid thinking about cancer. This study examines how these factors relate to cancer risk perception among tertiary students in Punjab, India, and considers what this means for prevention efforts. |
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| Methodology/Approach | The study used a cross-sectional design and included 601 students drawn from six districts in Punjab. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering stigma, common misconceptions, emotional avoidance, and perceived cancer risk. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to examine which of these factors were associated with differences in perceived risk. |
| Results | The regression model was statistically significant and accounted for a modest but meaningful proportion of the variation in perceived risk (adjusted R² = 0.238, p < 0.001). Emotional avoidance showed the strongest negative association (β = −0.203, p < 0.001). Stigma (β = −0.168, p = 0.001) and misconceptions (β = −0.141, p < 0.001) were also negatively associated with perceived risk. Female students (β = 0.102, p = 0.003) and those reporting a family history of cancer (β = 0.076, p = 0.039) tended to report higher perceived risk. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | These findings suggest that even among university students, risk perception is not determined by knowledge alone. Emotional responses and social attitudes appear to play a role in whether individuals see themselves as at risk. This has implications for prevention strategies that rely mainly on information. Approaches that also address stigma, misconceptions, and avoidance may be more effective, particularly if integrated into student health services and broader public health programmes. Such efforts could contribute to more equitable cancer prevention in similar settings. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Eric Kwasi Elliason Desh Bhagat University Kulvir Singh Desh Bhagat University Surjeet Patheja Desh Bhagat University |
