Background: Malawi faces a heavy cancer burden because of high incidence and late-stage diagnoses, largely driven by low public awareness of cancer risk factors and early warning signs.
Aim: This study aimed to explore the cancer knowledge of cancer risk factors and early warning signs, and sources of information among the public.
Setting: This study was conducted in four districts within the Southern Region of Malawi.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional approach to elicit knowledge of cancer and sources of cancer information among a sample of 305 participants. Data were collected using a previously standardised Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM). Statistical data analyses were conducted using IBM® SPSS® statistics version 22.
Results: Awareness of cancer risk factors and early warning signs was found to be low, indicating a signifcant lack of public knowledge about cancer. The radio emerged as the most common medium of cancer information through which Malawians receive cancer information, followed by clinics and hospitals. Interestingly, many individuals perceived clinics – not the radio – as the primary source where they gained a clearer understanding of cancer information.
Conclusion: The study concludes that public knowledge of cancer in Southern Malawi is low and although radio is the main information source, clinics are more effective because of expert guidance.
Contribution: This study identifes critical gaps in cancer awareness and understanding in Malawi, highlighting the need for improved and targeted communication strategies, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Keywords: cancer; knowledge; communication; risk factors; early warning signs.