Awareness level of cancer risk factors and warning signs among adults in Mansoura District, Egypt

Abstract Background Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with prevention and early detection dependent on the public awareness of its risk factors and warning signs. However, knowledge of cancer-related symptoms and modifiable risk factors remains limited in many populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Limited research exists examining general cancer awareness in Egypt's general population. Objective To assess public knowledge of cancer's early warning signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies in Mansoura, Egypt. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at five primary healthcare facilities in Mansoura from June to August 2025. We used a validated Arabic questionnaire to assess general cancer knowledge, awareness of cancer warning signs, and knowledge of its risk factors. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at p  < 0.05. Results Three hundred ninety nine adult participants completed the questionnaire (60.7% female); most were aged 18–35 and demonstrated high general cancer knowledge, with 90.2% aware that regular check-ups aid early detection. However, awareness of specific warning signs was limited—only 33.3% recognized non-healing sores and 35.1% identified persistent cough as a warning sign. Knowledge of cancer risk factors was also inconsistent; while 89.5% identified smoking as a risk factor, only 13.5% recognized genetically modified foods as a risk factor. The median overall knowledge score was 28 out of 52. Educational attainment and association with the medical field were significant predictors of cancer knowledge across all domains ( p  < 0.001), while sex and residency showed no significant associations. The internet and social media were the primary sources of information (53.9%). Conclusion While general cancer awareness was moderately high, knowledge of specific warning signs and modifiable risk factors remains limited. Targeted educational interventions, particularly among non-medical populations and those with lower educational attainment, are essential to improving cancer prevention and early detection.