Awareness of Cancer Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs among University Students in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Delays in detection dramatically lower survival rates for cancer, a major global public health concern. Raising public knowledge of early warning indicators and cancer risk factors is essential for prompt health-seeking behavior. Research on cancer awareness among non-health university students is still scarce in Palestine, despite an increase in cancer incidence. This study evaluated An-Najah National University undergraduate non-health students’ understanding of cancer risk factors and early warning signs.

Methods: Undergraduate students from the Faculties of Business, Communication, and Law participated in a cross-sectional quantitative study. 382 participants were recruited using proportionate stratified random selection. A structured Arabic questionnaire that has been verified in comparable settings was used to gather data. To investigate variations among demographic variables, descriptive statistics, reliability evaluation, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were used.

Results: Overall awareness was low, with 37.9% of people knowing about cancer risk factors and 34.5% knowing about early warning indicators. The highest identified risk factors were secondhand smoke (62%) and smoking (57.3%), while HPV infection (19%) and growing older (25%) were the least. Unhealing ulcers (24.5%) and difficulty swallowing (25.8%) were the least common early symptoms, while unexplained lumps (44.3%) and unexplained discomfort (40.4%) were frequently reported. Gender differences were significant only for knowledge, while knowledge and awareness were substantially correlated with academic year and family history of cancer (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: An-Najah National University’s non-health undergraduate students know very little about cancer risk factors and early warning indicators. To increase health literacy, stimulate early identification, and support healthier lifestyle choices, organized, evidence-based educational programs and awareness campaigns are advised. To improve cancer awareness and education among young adults in Palestine, more multinational research and national assistance are required.