Abstract
Background
The general population is nowadays well aware that tobacco smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing lung cancer. We hypothesized that a personal history of smoking and the level of nicotine dependence in current smokers may affect the perception of this risk among healthy individuals.
Methods
The fourth French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE 4, was conducted by telephone among a representative sample of individuals (N = 1602) aged between 40 and 75 years. Interviewees were asked about their smoking habits, perception of the risk of lung cancer, and nicotine dependence (Fagerström test).
Results
Regardless of their smoking status or level of nicotine dependence, the majority (96%) of our study population (N = 1463) acknowledged that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. For 34% of all respondents, smoking ≤ 10 cigarettes per day does not carry any risk of lung cancer. Only half the current smokers considered themselves to be at higher risk of lung cancer than the average-risk population. The majority of current cigarette smokers with a nicotine dependence considered themselves to be at higher risk for lung cancer while only 37% of non-nicotine-dependent individuals had the same perception (P < 0.01). Current smokers were more likely to consider a screening examination than former smokers and never-smokers. However, the intention to undergo screening was not significantly affected by the level of nicotine dependence.
Conclusions
Awareness campaigns may first have to overcome misconceptions about light smoking and, secondly, to target specific populations (heavy smokers, those with a long history, highly dependent smokers).
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Acknowledgements
EDIFICE surveys were funded by Roche S.A. Medical writing assistance was provided by Potentiel d’Action.
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Conflict of Interest
Laurent Greillier has received honoraria from Roche.
Alexis B. Cortot has received honoraria from Roche.
Jérôme Viguier declares that he has no conflict of interest.
Lysel Brignoli-Guibaudet has received honoraria from Roche.
Christine Lhomel is an employee of Roche.
François Eisinger has received honoraria from Roche.
Jean-François Morère has received honoraria from Roche.
Sébastien Couraud has received honoraria from Roche.
Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent
Protection of personal data was ensured in line with the European Directives. A consent form validated by the French Data-Protection Watchdog (CNIL [Commission nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés]) was read to each interviewee. The survey was carried out in accordance with the international code of ethics governing opinion polls.
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Greillier, L., Cortot, A.B., Viguier, J. et al. Perception of Lung Cancer Risk: Impact of Smoking Status and Nicotine Dependence. Curr Oncol Rep 20 (Suppl 1), 18 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-017-0650-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-017-0650-1