Awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer: a cross-sectional study from a developing country setting

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with poor prognosis, largely due to delayed diagnosis and limited awareness of its risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches. This study aimed to assess public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward PC among adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 438 adults using a structured, validated questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Participants' awareness, knowledge of risk factors and diagnostic methods, attitudes toward seeking medical care, and screening practices were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PC awareness. RESULTS: Among the 438 participants, 73.7% had heard of PC, and 98.6% recognized it as a serious disease. However, knowledge remained limited, particularly regarding symptoms and diagnostic approaches. Alcohol consumption (72.4%), chronic pancreatitis (65.5%), and family history (65.1%) were commonly recognized risk factors, while misconceptions regarding radiation exposure (34.5%) were evident. More than 70% of participants were unaware of PC diagnostic methods. Despite generally positive health-seeking attitudes, with 60.3% reporting that they would be very likely to consult a physician if they experienced alarming symptoms, only 2.7% had undergone screening, and 83.6% had never received information about PC from a healthcare provider. Multivariate analysis identified no independent predictors of PC awareness. CONCLUSION: Although general awareness of PC was moderate and attitudes toward seeking medical care were positive, substantial knowledge gaps persisted regarding symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches. These findings highlight the need for targeted, evidence-based educational interventions integrated into primary healthcare and chronic disease management services to improve public understanding, promote timely medical consultation, and potentially reduce diagnostic delays.