Discrepancies between public perceptions and epidemiological facts regarding cancer prognosis and incidence in Japan: An internet survey

Abstract

Background: This study investigates discrepancies between Japanese public perceptions and epidemiological facts regarding cancer prognosis and lifetime incidence, as well as factors that correlate with public perceptions. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional Internet survey with 2369 Japanese survey registrants without a history of cancer. Survey registrants were selected so that distributions of gender, age and place of residence (prefecture) reflected 2010 national census data as much as possible. The questionnaire included questions about their perceptions of 5-year survival rates for cancer in general and 19 site-specific cancers, as well as their perceptions of cumulative lifetime cancer incidence rate among Japanese men and women. Results: The distribution of respondent answers regarding the 5-year survival rate for cancer in general and 19 site-specific cancers varied widely from epidemiological data. Multiple regression analyses revealed that in some cancers, respondents who were of older age, who were female and who had a family/friend with a cancer history were significantly more likely to provide higher estimates regarding the 5-year survival rates. Respondents who correctly estimated cumulative lifetime cancer incidence rates among Japanese men and women were 8.5 and 33.1%, respectively. Respondents who were young, who had a higher educational background and who had a family/friend with a cancer history were significantly more likely to provide higher estimates of cumulative lifetime cancer incidence rates. Conclusions: Our study revealed wide discrepancies between Japanese public perceptions and epidemiological facts for cancer prognosis and incidence. Accordingly, more efforts should be made to bridge the gap between incorrect perceptions and epidemiological facts. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.