By MONICA KAYOMBO/Zambia, Lusaka
A NEW national study launched during a virtual event on June 3, 2026, has revealed significant gaps in how Brazilians understand cancer risk factors, despite widespread awareness of the disease itself.
The report, More Data, Better Health: Brazilian People’s Perceptions of Risk Factors for Cancer, was developed by Vital Strategies with support from National Cancer Institute (INCA), Umane and the Devive Institute. The findings are based on responses from 6,566 adults across Brazil collected between September and October 2025.
While the survey found that virtually all Brazilians, accounting 99.1 percent have heard of cancer, nearly three in ten respondents do not recognize that many cancers can be prevented. Researchers described this as a concerning gap that could hinder efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and participation in cancer screening programmes.
The study revealed that smoking remains the most widely recognized cancer risk factor, with more than 90 percent of respondents identifying it as harmful. Excessive sun exposure and genetic inheritance were also commonly associated with cancer. However, awareness was much lower for other scientifically established risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, excessive screen time and red meat consumption.
Researchers noted that this disconnect between knowledge and evidence highlights the need for stronger public education campaigns. Many participants continued to associate cancer primarily with genetics, even though experts emphasize that a large proportion of cancers are linked to modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors.
The report also uncovered widespread misconceptions about cancer prevention. More than 40 percent of respondents did not know that breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, while more than 60 percent incorrectly believed that vitamin and mineral supplements can prevent cancer. Researchers warned that such misunderstandings could expose people to misleading marketing while diverting attention from proven preventive measures.
Diet emerged as another area of concern. High consumption of ultra-processed foods ( UPFs), sugary drinks, processed meats and red meat was reported across the population, particularly among younger people. Although many respondents said they were attempting to reduce their intake of these products, awareness of their links to cancer remained relatively low.
The findings further showed that just over half of Brazilians reported engaging in physical activity, while a significant proportion of those who were inactive expressed a desire to become more active. Researchers described this as an opportunity for public policies that create safer and more accessible environments for exercise and recreation.
Alcohol consumption and smoking continue to present challenges. Although half of respondents reported abstaining from alcohol, many drinkers acknowledged attempts to cut back. Meanwhile, 11.3 percent identified themselves as current smokers, and only a small fraction of smokers or former smokers reported accessing formal cessation treatment.
According to the report, younger Brazilians and people from lower-income households generally displayed lower levels of knowledge about cancer risks while also reporting higher exposure to unhealthy behaviours. The authors argue that targeted communication strategies and equitable public health policies will be essential to addressing these disparities.
As Brazil prepares for an estimated 781,000 new cancer cases annually between 2026 and 2028, the study’s authors say the findings offer a timely reminder that improving public understanding of cancer prevention is just as important as expanding access to diagnosis and treatment.
“The results reveal both challenges and opportunities,” the report concludes, pointing to a population that is broadly aware of cancer but still lacks crucial knowledge about many preventable risk factors and protective behaviours.
