Introduction

Romania’s cancer burden is high, with 83,461 newly diagnosed cases and 50,902 total deaths in 2018. Romania is amongst the top 10 European countries in terms of cancer mortality rates. The lack of information and adequate screening services are some of the main causes for late detection of cases.

Description of Objectives

We measured the level of citizens' awareness and their perception on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, in 2016, 2018 and 2020 (pre-pandemic) through telephonic interviews (CATI): 1010 participants in each study, sociologically relevant at national level.

Results

In 2020, 78% of participants believed that cancer can be prevented, compared to 82% (in 2016, 2018). This belief was rather present in the segment that had no experience with the disease. Over 80% of respondents (85.9% - 2016, 87.1% -  2018, 82.1% - 2020) believed that the disease can be detected in early stages. 

Fewer participants considered that cancer could be cured in 2020, as compared to 2016 (71.5% and 74% respectively). Additionally, we identified an increase in the rate of people who were convinced that cancer always results in death (44.9% - 2016, 47.9% - 2020).

Further data assessed levels of knowledge on immune-oncology and personalised medicine, with varying trends being reported across the three studies.

In 2018, 48% of women stated that they had not been tested for HPV within the previous 3 years, 61% never heard about HPV vaccination. 54% documented the subject, but only 2% had been informed and vaccinated.

Discussions

Inconsistency exists between the knowledge declared and the understanding of the topic (HPV example). Access to healthcare and new therapies has improved in Romania from 2016 to 2020; however people’s perceptions and fatalistic attitude worsened, despite multiple information campaigns. There was also a decrease in the awareness about immune-oncology and personalised medicine. We noticed the presence of infodemy; a multitude of incomplete, scientifically invalid information posted online, particularly on social networks and forums.

Cancer literacy should lay the foundation for BECA, aiming to empower people with the knowledge required for making healthier choices (prevention) and to facilitate their access to quality healthcare services.