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Publications, articles and guides to understanding cancer literacy, prevention, screening, inequalities, policy and reliable information. Use the filters!

Topic
Basics

Cancer Prevention Literacy among Different Population Subgroups: Challenges and Enabling Factors for Adopting and Complying with Cancer Prevention Recommendations

It is estimated that 40% of the cancer cases in Europe could be prevented if people had better information and tools to make healthier choices and thereby reduce some of the most important cancer risk factors. The aim of this study is to gain knowledge and understanding about cancer prevention literacy among people with intellectual disabilities, immigrants, young people and young cancer survivors. In this qualitative study, we conducted six online focus-group interviews, including forty participants, to explore the cancer prevention literacy of four population subgroups and determine how cancer prevention recommendations according to the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) were perceived.

Prevention

Cancer prevention literacy in Europe: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess cancer prevention literacy (CPL) levels and awareness of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) among the adult population in the European Union (EU), as well as identify social determinants associated with CPL.

Prevention

Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire (CPL-Q): development and validation within the World Code Against Cancer Framework

Health literacy is a key determinant of health, shaping individuals ability to understand and act on health information. Low cancer literacy is associated with fatalistic beliefs and reduced participation in prevention and screening programmes. Although around 40% of all cancers are preventable, public awareness of modifiable risk factors remains low. The European Code Against Cancer (ECAC), developed under the World Code Against Cancer Framework, aims to strengthen prevention knowledge; however, tools to measure cancer prevention literacy, and therefore evaluate its impact, are lacking. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess ‘cancer prevention literacy’ in adults from the general population.

Intervention

Effective interventions to improve the health literacy of cancer patients

Health literacy (HL) refers to the cognitive and social abilities that are determinants in the motivation and capacity of the individual to access, understand and use information for the care of one’s own health. In oncology, increased survival, navigation of the healthcare system, the many different forms of treatment and the management of adverse effects/outcomes make HL a critical factor in patient care. The objective of this study is to identify the structure, content and effectiveness of interventions to improve HL in cancer patients.

Support

Empowering Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review on Gamified Approaches To Health Literacy for Self-Care

To address the challenges of self-care in oncology, gamification emerges as an innovative strategy to enhance health literacy and self-care among individuals with oncological disease. This study aims to explore and map how gamification can promote health literacy for self-care of oncological diseases.

Support

Gaps in Cancer Literacy: A cross-country synthesis

Cancer care, from prevention and early detection to treatment and supportive care, remains a key European public health priority. Organised screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer are central to reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality, alongside growing interest in lung and prostate cancer screening. Meanwhile, the rising number of cancer survivors highlights the need for accessible information on quality-of-life issues, including sexuality and intimacy. This report synthesises national desk research from Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Romania, identifying gaps in the availability and accessibility of online cancer information.

BEFORE YOU BELIEVE A CLAIM

Four questions for spotting reliable information

Cancer literacy is not about knowing everything — it is about knowing what to ask.

1
Who published it?

Look for hospitals, universities, health authorities and named experts.

2
When was it updated?

Cancer knowledge evolves — recent, dated sources are more trustworthy.

3
Is it evidence-based?

Reliable information cites research, not anecdotes or single stories.

4
Does it sell something?

Be cautious when a “fact” conveniently promotes a product or cure.

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