[Knowledge, attitude and behavior about the inherited predisposition to cancer. A survery of a population without any history of cancer in central Tunisia]. / Connaissances, attitudes et comportements vis a vis de la predisposition hereditaire aux cancers. Enquete aupres d'une population indemne de cancers dans le centre Tunisien.

The genetic bases of inherited predisposition to cancer are now established. The aim of our study is to value the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the general population about the inherited predisposition to cancer. Our study involved a population of 200 individuals. Without any history of cancer. The mean age of our population was 37.5 years (18 to 74 years). The education level was low in 62.5% of cases (illiterate or primary education). About knowledge: heredity was considered a predisposing factor to cancer by 42.5% of the respondents. About attitude: we noted a cancerophobia in 82% of cases. 86.5% of our respondents trought that an early diagnosis increased the chance of recovery. About behavior: 72.5% of the studied population wishd to know if they were predisposed to develop cancer. In case of pregnancy, 79% wished to know if the foetus wasa cancer gene predisposition carrier. 28% would keep this foetus in case of positive genetic testing. These results are encouraging to develop oncogenetic counselling in Tunisia.