Translation and validation of Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) questionnaire as a standard tool for cancer awareness studies in Iran

Background: In Iran, cancer is the third leading cause of death. Obtaining basic data about knowledge of general population regarding cancer is necessary to program a proper primary cancer prevention plan. The previously collected data in Iran about cancer knowledge was not based on a comprehensive, standard questionnaire. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare an appropriate questionnaire to fill this gap. Methods: The Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) questionnaire was chosen as the ideal tool for data collection. The questionnaire was translated, back translated and modified based on the comments of experts. The clarity and appropriateness of the translated version of ABC was tested by interviewing a select population of 30 Iranian individuals. Results: We developed a Farsi version of the ABC questionnaire containing 47 main questions corresponding to the original ABC. Slight modification and additions were applied. Conclusion: The Farsi version of the ABC questionnaire is an appropriate tool for the evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the Iranian population regarding cancer prevention.