?Background:
Despite sustained efforts by researchers and other stakeholders in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region to characterize cancer prevention literacy at the population level, substantial gaps persist. Existing research has largely concentrated on specific cancer types, while prevention initiatives have predominantly targeted isolated risk factors. Consequently, comprehensive evidence on this domain remains limited across LAC countries. Establishing a regional baseline is therefore essential to document current levels in selected LAC countries, providing a foundation to support the monitoring and evaluating impact of the implementation of the Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer.

Objectives:
1. To describe levels of cancer prevention literacy in six domains—including beliefs, risk perceptions, awareness of cancer risk factors, knowledge about cancer prevention, intentions to change unhealthy behaviours, and adherence to these changes— among adults in six LAC countries (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic), using data collected in 2025.
2. To analyse the associations between each cancer prevention literacy domain and sociodemographic factors, thereby identifying inequalities.

Methods:
Data collection:
This cross-sectional study uses data from a telephone-administered survey conducted by a market research company among adults aged ≥18 years without a prior cancer diagnosis in six LAC countries, using the validated Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire. The sample was generated using random digit dialling of mobile phone numbers. Data were collected between November 5 and November 14, 2025, with a target sample of 400 participants per country (Brazil 419, Colombia 400, Costa Rica 400, Mexico 401, Peru 400, Dominican Republic 411). 

Variables definition:
Outcomes included six cancer prevention literacy domains: beliefs, risk perceptions, awareness of cancer risk factors, knowledge, intentions to change unhealthy behaviours, and adherence to behaviour change, as well as awareness of the LAC Code Against Cancer. Sociodemographic characteristics—age group, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and type of settlement—were included as covariates.

Data analysis:
Analyses included descriptive statistics and weighted prevalence estimates by country for each domain. “Don’t know/No answer” responses were excluded from Likert-scale denominators. Within-country inequalities were assessed using country-specific regression models (linear, ordinal, or logistic, as appropriate), with sociodemographic characteristics as independent variables. All analyses incorporated country-specific survey weights.

Results:
Preliminary descriptive results indicate marked cross-country variation in the beliefs and risk perceptions domains. Strong agreement with fatalistic and informational belief statements ranged from approximately 10% to over 40% across countries. Worry about developing cancer was reported as “often” by 5–15% of respondents, while perceived higher cancer risk ranged from 7% to 23%. Awareness of key risk factors—particularly smoking, ultra-processed foods, and excessive sun exposure—exceeded 60% in all countries.

Conclusions/Implications:
This cross-sectional study provides novel population-level evidence on cancer prevention literacy across multiple LAC countries with diverse sociodemographic contexts. By characterizing key domains of cancer prevention literacy, the findings offer timely and actionable information for policymakers and public health stakeholders. This evidence supports the prioritization of targeted communication and prevention strategies and informs the monitoring and evaluation of the LAC Code Against Cancer, currently being implemented across the region.