Survey on cancer patients’ attitudes towards AI and data protection: A cross-sectional study from an Italian cancer center

Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into oncology, offering opportunities to improve diagnostics, treatment planning, and operational efficiency. However, patient perspectives on AI, especially regarding data protection and ethical implications, remain underexplored. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate cancer patients' attitudes toward the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, focusing on their awareness of data protection, perceived risks and benefits, and the conditions under which AI is considered acceptable. Additionally, the study aims to examine how demographic and educational factors influence patients' views within the context of an Italian comprehensive cancer center. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 117 cancer patients who completed a 28-item online questionnaire. The survey evaluated levels of AI knowledge, perceptions of data privacy, concerns about AI in medical contexts, and willingness to share health data for research. Results Most participants demonstrated moderate awareness of AI (70.1%) and its medical applications (85.5%), with higher familiarity observed among younger and more educated individuals. While data protection understanding varied, 76.9% were willing to share personal health data for research aimed at improving cancer care. Concerns included reduced physician autonomy (52.1%) and diminished physician-patient interaction (63.3%). However, 82.9% of respondents found AI acceptable when clinical decisions remained under physician control. AI was most favorably viewed for administrative support and care process optimization. Conclusion Cancer patients generally view AI in healthcare positively, especially when it maintains physician oversight and safeguards data privacy. To ensure equitable and informed adoption, targeted educational initiatives and transparent communication strategies should address generational, educational, and digital literacy differences.