Therapeutic Research

Abstract

Background：Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in South Korea. Although the country has seen a consistent decline in the cancer mortality rate since the late 1990s, the incidence of cancer continues to increase. 　Purpose：This study aimed to examine the relationships between Korean adults’ level of cancer‒related knowledge, cancer‒related attitude, and cancer‒prevention behaviors, and to explore the factors associated with prevention behaviors. 　Methods：A cross‒sectional survey study was conducted at a health‒promotion festival in a region of Korea（August 24, 2019）. A convenience sample of 243 adults was selected, and a self‒administered questionnaire was used to measure cancer‒related knowledge, attitude, and prevention behaviors. The data were analyzed using t‒test, one‒way ANOVA, and multiple‒regression analysis. 　Results：Multiple regression analyses revealed significant positive relationships between perceived health status, low perceived risk of cancer, moderate perceived risk of cancer, usefulness of cancer screening, cancer screening within the past 3 years, and cancer‒related attitude. Cancer‒related attitude was the most important factor associated with cancer‒prevention behaviors. 　Conclusions：The findings indicate that adults should focus on improving their attitude toward cancer to increase cancer‒prevention behaviors. It is recommended that future studies develop and examine the effectiveness of cancer prevention programs that consider the factors associated with cancer‒prevention behavior.