Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire (CPL-Q): monitoring and evaluating the dissemination of Regional Codes Against Cancer over time

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions have developed and validated a comprehensive questionnaire to assess cancer prevention literacy among adults in the general population. Understanding and improving cancer prevention literacy is a key component of public health strategies aimed at reducing cancer incidence and promoting health equity. A new article detailing the development and validation of the questionnaire was published in the journal BMC Public Health.

The questionnaire, called the Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire (CPL-Q), is a validated instrument designed to monitor and evaluate the dissemination of Regional Codes Against Cancer over time, in regions where such a Code exists, while measuring constructs impacting cancer prevention literacy, through which educational exposure is theorized to produce or maintain behavioural change: (1) cognitive-attitudinal or proximal factors, such as beliefs about cancer, risk perception, awareness about cancer prevention, knowledge of cancer prevention and risk factors, and intention to change behaviours; and (2) literacy-enacted or distal factors, such as adherence to healthy behaviours. It is also a practical tool to identify gaps in cancer prevention literacy within specific populations and to support international comparisons and longitudinal evaluations, thereby contributing to the evidence base for cancer prevention policies.

The CPL-Q consists of a 10-question survey comprising 58 items. It is accompanied by a series of materials to guide its implementation in Europe, Latin America, and potentially other world regions, in particular regions where a new Code Against Cancer is planned to be developed. The CPL-Q was developed to support the World Code Against Cancer Framework, which is an IARC flagship programme with the goal of translating scientific evidence on cancer prevention into recommendations on primary and secondary prevention of cancer at the individual and population levels.

Feliu A, Islam R, Romeo-Cervera P, Bouaoun L, Whitelock V, Pirvan M, et al.
Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire (CPL-Q): development and validation within the World Code Against Cancer Framework
BMC Public Health. Published online 23 February 2026;
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-26641-9

Read the article 

Read more about the Cancer Prevention Literacy Questionnaire, including a usage guide and supporting materials, on the World Code Against Cancer Framework website