Cancer knowledge and misconceptions among college undergraduates: a pilot study

A study of cancer knowledge and misconceptions among college undergraduates was undertaken with the goal of obtaining information that could be used to direct the establishment of future, problem-oriented cancer education programs. General knowledge about cancer, as well as specific knowledge about colon cancer, was found to be lacking. The former was significantly related to gender, while the latter was influenced by a family history of cancer. Knowledge about breast cancer was more complete, although, again, gender significantly impacted upon accuracy. Breast self-examination and surgical options for treating breast cancer were specific areas in which knowledge was poor.