[Regional characteristics of anticancer education]

An effective prevention of primary cancer is not feasible unless programs of cancer control education intended for specific populations have been developed. The paper compares the questionnaire-based data on 3442 residents of Moscow and certain regions in the Central Asia and Northern Caucasus for 1964-1984. It was found that the standards of cancer control education are still low. Only 15-20% are prepared to receive treatment for chronic diseases to prevent cancer and only 34-55% see a point in occupational screenings for early cancer detection. 40.5% ignore regular screenings, two-thirds deliberately avoid them and 14% admit apprehension that cancer may be detected. A healthy way of life is considered effective in avoiding cancer by 33--48% only. The report discusses certain age- and occupation-related recommendations on education in prevention of malignant tumors, including measures aimed at promoting a healthy way of life and giving up alcohol and smoking.