Knowledge of bladder cancer in the French population: results of the EDIFICE 6 survey

Objective: To assess awareness of bladder cancer (BCa) in France.

Methods: The French nationwide observational survey EDIFICE 6 was conducted online (26 June-28 July 2017) in 12,046 individuals (age, 18-69 years). The present analysis focuses on laypersons' knowledge of the severity and frequency of BCa, signs and symptoms, associated risk factors and screening tests. Quantitative data were expressed as means and standard deviation, and categorical data as percentages.

Results: Analyses were conducted on 11,313 questionnaires. Among the top five acknowledged risk factors for BCa, tobacco was ranked as having the second lowest impact (5.9/10 [2.5]). Only 28% of the study population were aware that active tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for BCa (rating ≥8/10); 61% of the study population was unaware of the existence of any signs or symptoms of BCa, and 69% was not able to cite any of the most widely used diagnostic tests.

Conclusions: We found that the French population has a poor knowledge of BCa risk factors, early signs and diagnostic tests. Effective prevention of BCa requires dissemination of clear information and prevention messages to the lay population, focusing particularly on tobacco consumption and early signs of the disease.