ObjectiveTo evaluate the perception of elderly population about cancer, correlating it with the clinical variables sex, age and past history of cancer.MethodsThe sample was composed of 300 individuals, 174 (58%) women. A questionnaire containing ten questions and based on the Health Information National Trends Survey was used. For statistical analysis, a p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIndividuals aged 80 years and older were more likely to believe that regular tests can identify cancer in early stages, compared to elderly aged under 80 years (OR: 0.103; CI95%: 0.021-0.499; p=0.005). Elderly subjects with positive history of cancer were more likely to believe that few people survive cancer, compared to those who never had the disease (OR: 0.379; CI95%: 0.167-0.858; p=0.02). All patients with a positive history of cancer believed that early-detected cancer can be cured.ConclusionAged individuals with ≥80 years or older believed in regular exams as a form of early detection of cancer, probably due to the greater frequency of medical instructions. Subjects who had cancer believed that few people survive the disease, perhaps because of the negative experiences they have experienced. Considering the greater presence of fatalistic perceptions, this group constitutes a potential target for educational approaches about cancer.