One in 4 Brazilians is unaware that cancer is a disease that can be prevented. The information is contained in the report More Data More Health – Perceptions of the Brazilian population on risk factors for cancerreleased this Wednesday (June 3, 2026).
The study investigated how the population perceives and relates to risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, ultra-processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle.
According to Inca (National Cancer Institute), there are an estimated 781 thousand new cases of the disease per year in the 2026-2028 period. The number represents an increase of 10.9% compared to the previous period, driven by the aging of the population and lifestyle habits.
The survey is the first nationwide to assess Brazilians’ knowledge about cancer prevention, including perceptions and behaviors related to the topic. The study was carried out by the organizations Umane and Vital Strategies, with support from the Devive Institute and a technical partnership with Inca. 6,500 people were interviewed in all States and the Federal District.
RISK FACTORS
While exposure to the sun without protection are widely recognized as harmful, other risk factors are still poorly associated with cancer.
This is the case of a sedentary lifestyle, cited by less than half of those interviewed (48.3%) as a factor that favors the development of the disease.
For the head of Inca’s Population Research Division, Luciana Grucci Moreira, there has been progress in the perception of the Brazilian population, especially when compared to that observed in international studies.
The main example is smoking. According to the survey, 90.5% of those interviewed said they knew that smoking causes cancer. The other most recognized factors were genetic inheritance (89.4%) and excessive exposure to the sun (88.3%).
They have already been identified as a risk factor by 71.3% of those interviewed. The percentage was 70.7% for embedded foods, such as ham and sausage, and 65.6% for ultra-processed foods, such as instant noodles, snacks and ice cream.
According to Luciana, the difference in levels of perception is related to public policies and awareness campaigns implemented over the last few decades.
“Warnings on packaging, taxes to raise the price of tobacco and restrictions on smoking indoors. There was a set of public policies and communication campaigns focused on the topic”he stated.
She advocates similar initiatives to increase awareness of other risk factors.
The study also showed that part of the population is unaware that breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of breast cancer. For every 10 people interviewed, 4 said they did not know this information.
“Women who breastfeed have greater protection against breast cancer compared to those who did not have the opportunity to breastfeed”said Luciana.
OBESITY
The are recognized as risk factors for cancer by only 54.1% of the population.
The same goes for the consumption of sweetened drinks (55.3%), low intake of fruits and vegetables (53.3%) and a sedentary lifestyle (48.3%).
Red meat is associated with an increased risk of cancer for only 27.5% of respondents.
According to Luciana, quality information is important, but not sufficient to promote behavioral changes.
“It is not just information that determines a food choice. There are factors such as access to food, income, prices and marketing. It is also necessary to advance public policies that favor healthier choices”he stated.
She advocates measures aimed at promoting physical activity and adequate nutrition.
“It’s not enough to tell people to practice physical activity. The street needs to be lit and offer safety. Public policy plays a fundamental role in allowing better choices”he declared.
BEHAVIORS
The research also analyzed habits related to cancer risk factors and the population’s willingness to change these behaviors.
Among those interviewed, 45% said they consume and have already tried to reduce consumption. Another 33% said they did not consume these products, while 15% reported consuming them and having no intention of changing their habit.
In the case of soft drinks and other sweetened drinks, 53% said they consume and try to reduce their intake. Another 27% said they do not consume and around 15% do not intend to reduce consumption.
In relation to red meat, around 45% declared to consume it without trying to reduce intake. Another 40% said they consume and seek to reduce consumption. Approximately 10% said they did not consume it.
On the other hand, 86.3% of the population stated that they consume fruits and vegetables. Among those who do not consume, 8.3% expressed their intention to adopt this habit.
YOUNG PEOPLE
The report shows that young people up to 24 years of age are those who most consume foods associated with an increased risk of cancer without the intention of reducing consumption.
The behavior was reported by:
- 32.3% in relation to ultra-processed products;
- 24.4% in relation to sweetened drinks;
- 29.5% in relation to sausages;
- 49.1% in relation to red meat.
Regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages, a substance associated with at least 8 types of cancer, 50.1% of those interviewed said they did not consume alcohol. Among those who drink, 32.5% said they had already tried to reduce their habit.
Young people aged up to 24 are also the leader among those who consume alcoholic beverages without the intention of reducing consumption (16.9%). The percentage drops to 8.7% in the 25 to 59 age group and to 7.1% among those over 60 years of age.
SEDENTARISM
Among those interviewed, 52.2% said they practiced physical activity. Another 39% said they intended to start.
The richest are those who most recognize the importance of physical activity in preventing cancer. Among those with an income of up to R$2,000, around 45% associate a sedentary lifestyle with the risk of the disease. Among those who receive R$10,000 or more, the percentage rises to 59.6%.
When asked about their body weight, 48.8% said they considered their weight to be healthy.
Among those who recognize that they are overweight, 31% said they were taking measures to change the situation. The percentage drops to 22.9% among people with an income of less than R$2,000 and exceeds 40% among those with an income above R$3,000.
STRATEGIES
According to Luciana Moreira, the results help guide communication actions and public policies aimed at cancer prevention.
“If the population does not recognize that processed meats increase the risk of cancer, this information is important to direct campaigns and prevention strategies”he stated.
For Luciana Sardinha, from Vital Strategies, the publication of the results also contributes to increasing the population’s interest in the topic.
“By giving visibility to the results, the study draws attention to the risk factors associated with cancer”he declared.
This text was published by Agência Brasil, on May 3, 2026. The content is free for republication, the source is cited, and was adapted to the Poder360 standard.
