Background
The evidence base on cancer risk factors and preventive measures is continuously expanding. Awareness of established risk factors for cancer is a fundamental prerequisite for informed health-related decision-making and constitutes an important aspect of individual autonomy. Systematic assessments of public awareness regarding cancer risk factors are therefore a critical component of effective public health strategies. However, research on public awareness of cancer risk factors in Sweden is scarce and outdated.

Objectives
The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which the Swedish general public believe that changes in lifestyle habits can reduce cancer risk, and to examine the awareness of 20 established cancer risk factors in relation to demographic factors in this population.

Methods
This cross-sectional study is part of a larger study on awareness of and attitudes towards the European Code Against Cancer, as part of the Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer (EU JA Prevent NCD). A pre-existing data set consisting of a randomly selected sample of 1,520 adults (aged 18–84) in Sweden, recruited from a national online survey panel in 2024, was used. Post-stratification weights based on gender, age, education level, and political orientation were applied to make the results representative for the Swedish population. Pearson’s χ2-test and weighted adjusted logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Results
Of the respondents, a majority (about 60%) believed that one’s cancer risk could be reduced through changed lifestyle habits. Almost all were aware of smoking (>95%), sun exposure (92%), hereditary factors (91%), sunbeds (90%), and air pollution (90%) as risk factors. Fewer respondents were aware of alcohol, obesity, overweight (about 60% each), and processed meat (53%) as risk factors for cancer. A minority of the responders were aware of low levels of physical activity (48%), red meat (39%), low intake of fruit and vegetables (33%), low intake of whole grains (24%), and not breast-feeding one’s child (<10%) as risk factors. The awareness was significantly higher among college/university educated respondents for 17 of the 20 risk factors.

Conclusions
In addition to substantial gaps in awareness among the Swedish general public regarding several established cancer risk factors, this study identified a pronounced educational gradient for most of these factors, highlighting significant disparities in cancer prevention awareness. 
 
This study is part of the Joint Action Prevent NCD (GA – 101128023) and is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them.
 
(Currently under review)