Changes in women's opinions about cancer

Abstract

A systematic sample of 756 women in Lancaster was interviewed in 1973 about their opinions of cancer. The findings were compared with a base-line survey in 1966. In the intervening period a programme of public education was in operation, together with an increased level of discussion of cancer in the media. An unrealistic assessment of cancer as the main cause of death in this country persists and the disease is still regarded as the most alarming. Views about curability and the value of early treatment are rather more optimistic than before. There is fairly widespread understanding of the non-malignant nature of many breast lesions, although many women have no knowledge at all of the implications of post-menopausal bleeding and discharge. The largest changes have occurred in the realization that preventive measures exist and, in particular, that cancer of the womb can be avoided by means of the cervical smear test. This is, however, often regarded as unpleasant or anxiety-provoking, and its preventive implications are not always well-understood. In general, the over-60s and those in social classes IV and V are least well-informed. The study also suggests that the dissemination of information about a disease may not be effective in changing opinion favourably unless a proper frame of reference is also provided.