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Research Article: Urban residents’ health literacy of four major cancers: a cross-sectional national survey

Date Published: 2026-06-17

Abstract:
Cancer poses a significant global healthcare challenge, and individual health literacy directly impacts screening and the adoption of self-care behaviors. This study aimed to compare health literacy scores for four cancers (colorectal, esophageal, lung, and kidney) among Chinese urban residents and to identify associated factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 1,226 urban adults via professional networks across China. Participants provided demographic data and completed a validated health literacy questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze associations with health literacy scores. Health literacy scores ranked as follows: colorectal (7.50?±?3.35), esophageal (6.27?±?3.15), lung (5.88?±?3.07), and kidney (4.30?±?2.89). Education and household income emerged as consistent predictors of health literacy across all cancers. Age, sex, employment status, and a family history of cancer were associated with colorectal cancer health literacy scores. Participants who reported higher levels of health literacy scores in esophageal cancer were older and had a previous cancer diagnosis. Participants who reported higher lung cancer health literacy scores were older, female, retired, and had a family history of cancer. Factors contributing to higher kidney cancer health literacy scores included education, annual household income, and non-smoking status. Urban residents demonstrated moderate levels of cancer-related health literacy, and public health strategies should be targeted toward people with lower education and reduced annual household income. Implication for Practice: This research highlights the need for targeted educational interventions in community healthcare settings to identify urban residents at high risk of low health literacy, ultimately strengthening the reach and impact of cancer screening and prevention programs.

Introduction:
Cancer poses a significant global healthcare challenge, and individual health literacy directly impacts screening and the adoption of self-care behaviors.

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