title: Perceptions of cancer risk and cause of cancer risk in korean adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of perceived risk for cancer; to explore associations between sociodemographics and family history of cancer and perceived cancer risk; to identify perceived cause of cancer risk; and to examine the associations between sociodemographics and family history of cancer and perceived cause of cancer risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,009 participants aged 30-69 years, selected from a population-based database in October 2009 through multiple-stratified random sampling. Information was collected about the participants' perceived cancer risk and perceived cause of cancer risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 59.5% of the respondents thought they had the chance of developing cancer. Female sex, younger age, lower income, and family history of cancer were positively associated with perceived cancer risk. The most important perceived cause of cancer risk was stress. There was a difference between sociodemographics and family history of cancer and perceived cause of cancer risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Factors affecting perceptions of cancer risk and cause of cancer risk need to be addressed in risk communications. The results provide important directions for the development of educational strategies to promote awareness and self-appraisal of cancer risk and risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Information and Education Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Su Yeon
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Kye
authors.affiliation: Cancer Information and Education Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Young
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Cancer Information and Education Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyounghee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Cancer Risk and Appraisal and Prevention Branch, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Keeho
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Cancer; Cause; Korea; Perception; Risk