ABSTRACT
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 thought that an early diagnosis increased the chance of recovery. About behavior: 72.5% of the studied population wished to know if they were predisposed to develop cancer. In case of pregnancy 79% wished to know if the foetus was a cancer gene predisposition carrier. 28% would keep this foetus in case of positive genetic testing. These results are encouraging to develop ontogenetic counselling in Tunisia