Aim Many cancers are preventable through lifestyle modification. The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge about the lifestyle risk factors for cancer, perception of personal risk and motivation for lifestyle change among adult cancer survivors living in Ireland.

Method A questionnaire was developed and administered to adult cancer survivors.

Findings Despite health education initiatives in Ireland, smoking, passive smoking and sun exposure/sunbed use were not universally accepted as risk factors by participants, and there was limited recognition that diet, alcohol consumption and physical exercise were also risk factors for cancer. Overall, participants did not perceive their personal risk of cancer was linked to their lifestyle.

Conclusion Myths about non-evidence-based lifestyle risk factors for cancer persist. In response to the knowledge deficits identified in the study, a web-based educational software application was developed to improve patients’ knowledge about cancer prevention and support health education initiatives.