Participatory Research on Cancer Risk and Public Health in Argentina

This study analyzes the results of a survey conducted among students and neighbors from autonomous education institutions in Argentina, focusing on socio-environmental factors influencing cancer risk, to spotlight conditions specific to these communities and produce actionable data. The study consisted of a participatory survey through local autonomous high-schools in four yearly cycles, within three underprivileged neighborhoods around Buenos Aires (Argentina). The survey process was designed and conducted collaboratively between researchers and local actors, using Google Forms. Results were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The survey was administered between April 2021 and April 2025 to 173 individuals (124 female and non-binary, 49 male). Results revealed sizeable housing deficits: 33·3% (SE 8·95, p = 0·0196) lacked public sewage access, 19·69% (SE 3·10, p = 0·0252) lacked potable water, and many lived near garbage dumps (26·28%, SE 3·00, p = 0·0011) or flood zones (38·26%, SE 6·37, p = 0·0044), which increased exposure to carcinogens. Socioeconomic conditions contributed to unhealthy lifestyles: 85·61% (SE 0·73, p = 0·0002) reported medium-high stress, 40·8% (SE 6·22, p = 0·1178) lacked physical activity, and diets were poor in fruits/vegetables and proteins (37·19% SE: 9·35, p = 0·1322 and 35·05% SE 6·73, p = 0·04072, respectively), while high in processed foods (85·01% SE 3·64 p = 0·0027) and alcohol (8·28% SE 2·75, p = 0·0003). Only 47·27% (SE 9·38, p = 0·0432) received timely information on early cancer detection. These results highlight structural inequalities in environmental conditions, lifestyle factors, and healthcare access, underscoring the urgent need for targeted health education and systemic interventions. Given the global rise in cancer incidence—particularly in marginalized populations—, this research emphasizes the urgent need to examine how socioeconomic, environmental, and health system factors impact cancer risk in low-income communities.