To understand the prevalence of esophageal cancer-related knowledge of rural residents in high incidence area, and to provide evidence for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.

A self-made questionnaire was used to evaluate the cognitive status and influence of esophageal cancer among rural residents from 3 villages and towns which are high incidence areas of esophageal cancer in Huangdian, Fuyi and Lianghe of Sichuan province from July 4 to July 12.

A total of 1 007 rural residents participated in the survey. There were 937 valid questionnaires with an effective rate of 93.0%. Among them, 21 to 39, 40 to 59, 60 to 79 and 80 years old accounted for 22.3%, 34.9%, 38.8% and 4.0% respectively. Residents generally have a low level of education, with a minimum level of education and junior middle school education, accounting for 47.9% and 32.7% respectively. Residents who have heard of esophageal cancer, known that they live in high incidence area, and have the knowledge of incentives of the cancer, main symptoms, treatment measures, preventive measures and government intervention accounted for 21.2%, 15.5%, 12.8%, 14.9%, 8.4%, 9.0% and 7.9% respectively. There were significant differences in the cognitive abilities of esophageal cancer, treatment measures and preventive measures with different educational level (P <0.05), the higher the educational level, the higher the awareness rate. The awareness rate of non-agricultural population on the cause of esophageal cancer was significantly higher than that of farmers, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). But there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the main symptoms, treatment measures, and preventive measure (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the cognition of esophageal cancer in different age groups (P>0.05).

Yan Ting rural residents’ cognition on esophageal cancer overall is still low, and the local government and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention should intensify publicity and promote the esophageal cancer related knowledge, which can help to do prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of the cancer.