Cancer knowledge among elderly individuals

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Abstract
Fifty percent of all cancer occurs in individuals 65 years or older. Unfortunately, the elderly have been found to be less involved in cancer detection behaviors and to seek care at more advanced stages of disease. Inadequate knowledge of cancer among the elderly is one possible reason for these differences. This study reports on an assessment of cancer knowledge among 198 elderly individuals interviewed in 1984. Cancer knowledge was defined in terms of the respondents' scores on three categories of questions: (a) belief in cancer myths; (b) recall of the American Cancer Society's seven warning signals; and (c) recognition of symptoms of disease. Significant differences in cancer knowledge based on race, education, and income are presented. Multiple regression with myths, American Cancer Society seven warning signals, and knowledge of symptoms questionnaire as dependent variables showed consistent, statistically significant effects due to education and race.

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