Journal of Pediatric Medicine and Child Health

ABSTRACT

Background

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in India, where delayed detection is often linked to gaps in awareness and health-seeking behavior. Among tertiary students, understanding how individuals interpret cancer-related information and translate it into action is crucial. Although often discussed within the broader concept of health literacy, these processes are shaped by multiple psychosocial factors beyond knowledge.

Objective

This study examines cancer awareness and health-related behaviors among tertiary students in Punjab, India, focusing on how risk perception and related factors influence preventive actions and help-seeking.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among tertiary students across selected districts in Punjab. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed cancer awareness, perceived risk, and health-promoting behaviors. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to examine the patterns and relationships among the variables.

Results

Awareness of cancer risk factors varied, with 65.6% of participants identifying smoking as a risk factor, while recognition of diet-related risks, such as obesity (26.1%) and red or processed meat (27.0%), was substantially lower. Awareness of warning signs was moderate, with fewer than half of the participants recognizing key symptoms such as unexplained weight loss and persistent cough. Engagement in health-promoting behaviors was inconsistent; for example, 42.4% of the participants reported adequate hydration, whereas only 25.6% engaged in regular physical activity. Cancer awareness was positively associated with health-promoting behavior (r = 0.559, p < .001), indicating that higher awareness was linked to better practices, although this did not translate into consistent behavior across all domains

Conclusion

The findings show that awareness contributes to health-promoting behaviors but does not consistently lead to sustained preventive action. Behavior appears to be influenced by a broader set of factors that affect knowledge application in daily life. Public health efforts should extend beyond awareness to support practical and contextually relevant behavior changes.

Keywords: Cancer Awareness; Health Behavior; Risk Perception; Tertiary Students; Public Health