OBJECTIVES : Recent research developments suggest cures will become available for many cancers in the near future. Societal preferences should be taken into account in the evaluation of these, which will likely come with high costs to society. The objective of this study was to prepare preference studies by exploring knowledge and beliefs about cancer types, prevalence, treatment and its costs amongst the French general population.

METHODS : A literature review was conducted to identify characteristics influencing perception of cancer and its treatment. Extracted data was used to develop an interview guide. Adults from the general population in France were recruited for telephone interviews. Respondents were asked about cancer severity, prevalence, treatment, its reimbursement and price. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using grounded theory methods.

RESULTS : 10 respondents completed 60-minute interviews. Respondents were 51.7 years old on average (range 19-80); 50% were female. Respondents mostly associate cancer severity with location. Cancer aggressiveness, treatment given and patients’ state of mind are also linked to severity. Perceived incidence was highest for breast, prostate and gastrointestinal cancer. Regarding treatments, perceived advantages are linked to efficacy and positive mental impact. Reported disadvantages are more numerous and mostly concern tolerability and negative psychological impact. Some respondents perceive cancer treatment as a business. Respondents’ estimates of treatment cost vary, from €100 to several hundred thousand Euros. Most respondents are unaware what proportion of social security contributions are used for cancer treatment. Beliefs about reimbursement and access are disparate. Half believe all treatments are available in France. Others believe treatment access depends on elements such as treatment cost, country of development, and location of hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS : This study suggests members of the French general population have greater knowledge of cancer severity and prevalence than of treatments. Little is known about access to and cost of treatment, and reimbursement conditions.