Knowledge of cancer and its risk factors in Chandigarh, India.

Research Question: What is the status of knowledge, common behaviours and attitudes pertaining to cancer in urban and slum dwellers of Chandigarh.Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding common cancers in urban and slum dwellers of Chandigarh.Study Design: Community based descriptive field based study in and urban and slum dwellers of Chandigarh, India.Setting: Field practice area and adjoining largest slum of urban health training centre of Department of Community Medicine.Participants: Urban and slum inhabitants of ChandigarhStatistical Analysis: Percentage, proportionsResults: About 3/4th of respondents could correctly name the common cancers but the knowledge about preventive modes of cancer was lacking as only 2.5%(23) of Urban population and none among slum population were Knowing about Pap smear .None of the respondent could enumerate all the warning symptoms of cancer. 3/4 th (307, 22.7%) of respondents knew about the tobacco as a risk factor for cancer followed by alcoholConclusion: There is a great need for increasing the awareness in masses by collaborative action of public health specialists, health professionals and via IEC activities.