Personal and family application of cancer prevention practices among physicians

Abstract Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in cancer prevention through screening advocacy, lifestyle counseling, and risk communication. However, limited evidence exists on whether physicians apply these preventive practices to themselves and their families. This study assessed personal and family-oriented cancer prevention behaviors among physicians and explored behavioral determinants using the Health Belief Model (HBM), with particular attention to differences between oncology-related and non-oncology specialties. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 353 physicians working at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, and affiliated hospitals across Cairo and Lower Egypt. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire assessing lifestyle risk factors, vaccination and screening practices, family-oriented prevention behaviors, perceived barriers, and HBM constructs. Comparisons between oncology-related and non-oncology specialties were performed using appropriate statistical tests. Although awareness of cancer warning signs was high (84.4%), participation in personal cancer screening was consistently low. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was high (82.4%), whereas HPV vaccination uptake was limited (5.7%). Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity were prevalent. Physicians working in oncology-related specialties demonstrated greater awareness of cancer warning signs and stronger engagement in family-oriented prevention activities but did not exhibit higher personal screening uptake. HBM construct scores were generally moderate. Younger physicians reported higher self-efficacy compared to older physicians ( p = 0.005), while oncology-related practice was associated with higher perceived susceptibility and cues to action compared to non-oncology related specialties ( p = 0.019&0.036 respectively). Perceived barriers were modest and did not significantly differ by specialty. Despite high professional awareness, physicians demonstrated limited engagement in personal cancer screening and preventive practices. Oncology-related practice enhanced preventive advocacy toward family members but did not translate into improved personal behaviors. These findings highlight a persistent knowledge–practice gap and underscore the need for institutional strategies that facilitate physician wellness, screening access, and preventive engagement.