Cancer Risk Factors Awareness in Slovenian Adolescents

To evaluate Slovenian adolescents' awareness of common cancer risk and protective factors, identifying knowledge gaps to develop targeted health education initiatives.

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 795 students aged 13 to 19 years in primary and secondary schools in Slovenia. The responses were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The relationship between educational level, age and gender and awareness of selected cancer risk factors was analysed performing univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Overall, adolescents demonstrated good awareness of certain risk factors such as smoking (98%), sun exposure (90%) and physical activity (87%). Significant knowledge gaps were identified regarding dietary factors. While 49% recognized red meat consumption as a risk factor, knowledge of protective fruit and vegetable consumption and alcohol consumption as a risk was relatively low at 14% and 38%, respectively. Gender differences were found, with boys better at recognising smoking (p=0.025) and girls better at recognising alcohol (p<0.001). Older students were less aware of the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption (p<0.001), and secondary school students were less aware of the importance of healthy body mass, red meat and alcohol consumption (all p<0.001).

Slovenian adolescents have varied knowledge of cancer risks, showing both strengths and areas for improvement in preventive education. We have identified important gaps in knowledge about diet and alcohol consumption, particularly among older, secondary school students and boys, where targeted interventions can have a major impact on promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing future cancer risks.