Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was developed in 2007-8 to address the absence of a validated measure of general public awareness of cancer (Stubbings, S., Robb, K., Waller, J., Ramirez, A., Austoker, J., Macleod, U., Hion, S., and Wardle, J. (2009) 'Development of a measurement tool to assess public awareness of cancer', British Journal of Cancer, 101(2), S13-S17.).

The survey includes measures of awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer, cancer risk factors, age-related risk, screening programmes and potential barriers to seeing the GP. Since then, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has significantly revised and updated the survey, including a wider range of questions and collecting data online instead of face-to-face. The CAM was also previously known as the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative Cancer Awareness Measure (NAEDI-CAM).

Independent market research company Public Knowledge were commissioned by the North London Cancer Network to conduct research to assess cancer awareness, using the validated Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM). The majority of data were collected using a face-to-face door-knocking methodology from randomly sampled areas according to postcode census area data in each of the six PCT areas (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington and West Essex). Quotas were used based on age, gender, ethnicity and housing tenure.

In addition, a booster sample of interviews was conducted with individuals with disabilities and gay/lesbian/bisexual groups, primarily by targeting gay bars and community groups in addition to a proportion undertaken on the high street.

Further information about the CAM may be found on the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measures (CAMs) web page.

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