Fear of cancer and older people's beliefs about cancer treatment in Poland

What is it about?

Throughout Europe and the United States, more than 60% of all cancer incidents occur in older people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the level of fear people have regarding cancer and older people’s beliefs about cancer pain, cancer treatment, and the curability of cancer. We conducted a survey in 2012, in which the sample was comprised of 910 adult residents of Wroclaw, Poland, to ascertain the beliefs people have about cancer and the degree of fear people have with respect to cancer.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The majority of the respondents reported having a high level of fear, and this level of fear increased with age. Moreover, the oldest people (65 years and above) expressed fatalistic beliefs with respect to cancer.

Perspectives