This was one of the surprising findings of the first ever survey on lung cancer awareness commissioned by the Singapore Cancer Society and the National Cancer Centre.

The survey polled 500 people during July and August 2007.

The results were announced at a press conference to launch Lung Cancer Awareness month, which will be marked with public talks and events at community centres throughout November.

Dr Koong Hen Neng, who heads surgical oncology at the National Cancer Centre, said awareness was particularly low among those over 50 - the group most at risk for lung cancer.

'About 50 per cent thought cancer happened only to those with a family history of cancer,' he said.

Predominant myths about lung cancer include that it is contagious and that non-smokers cannot get it.

Only five per cent of those polled knew that non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke were at risk for lung cancer.

This lack of awareness is a significant barrier to early treatment and detection, Dr Koong said.

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Singapore, claiming three lives a day. It accounted for 1,095 deaths in 2006.

'Those who smoke are in denial that their habit causes lung cancer while non-smokers are held back by disbelief,' he added.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.