Debunking Cancer Myths: Understanding Cancer Awareness and Misconceptions Among Patients in Türkiye

Introduction: Cancer is a major global health concern with modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Low public awareness of evidence‐based risk factors and common cancer myths hamper prevention efforts. This study evaluated the awareness of evidence‐based risk factors and the prevalence of cancer myths among patients in Denizli, Türkiye. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted at Pamukkale University Hospital between 1 February 2024 and 15 February 2024. A total of 747 participants were recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed awareness of both evidence‐based cancer risk factors and cancer myths. The questionnaire included the Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale (CAM‐MYCS) and a scale assessing evidence‐based cancer risk factors. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and backward linear regression. Results: The mean CAM‐MYCS score was 20.9 ± 26.4, reflecting substantial variability in beliefs about cancer myths. The mean score for the evidence‐based cancer risk factor scale was 57.3 ± 23.1, suggesting a moderate awareness of evidence‐based cancer risk factors. The mean total cancer awareness score was 44.1 ± 16.6, reflecting an overall moderate level of cancer awareness. Linear regression analysis identified higher education, seeking information from healthcare professionals and scientific books/articles, and self‐perceived knowledge of cancer prevention as significant predictors of total cancer awareness. Conclusion: This study highlights that despite a moderate level of awareness of evidence‐based cancer risk factors, the high prevalence of cancer myths contributes to inadequate awareness of evidence‐based cancer risk factors among the Turkish population. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to correct misconceptions and promote evidence‐based knowledge to reduce the risk of cancer.