Introduction. Cancer diseases are the second cause of death in developed countries. Like all over the world, in Poland, an escalation in the incidence of cancer is attributed to the aging population and increasing exposure to carcinogenic environmental factors. The community nurse can pay attention to the first symptoms of cancer, but it requires proper knowledge of oncology. The role of nurses should also be educating patients in terms of available screening programs and prevention of cancer, as well as advocating the healthy lifestyle in Poland. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge concerning cancer, awareness of the basic principles of oncology education and the influence of the lifestyle on the cancer onset and implemented prevention programs in the field of cancer among community nurses in Poland. Material and methods. The study included a total of 70 community nurses/ family nurses. The knowledge of nurses about cancer and the role of screening and prevention of cancer have been rated. Additionally, information about healthy behaviors among respondents has been considered. Results. The overall level of knowledge was low. Even though nurses recognize smoking, ultraviolet radiation, obesity and lack of physical activity as the most harmful behaviors, the majority of respondents claim that the modification of behavior will not lead to a reduction in the risk of cancer. In addition, knowledge of cancer prevention programs was insufficient. However, a statistically significant relationship was found between the level of knowledge of cancer and the health-promoting lifestyle of the surveyed nurses. Summary. It seems that the only properly conducted education program in the field of cancer, including all the nurses, before selecting the precise field of education could improve the present situation. In the author's opinion, such a program should be continuous and take into account the specific nature of community nurses’ work.

Key words: cancer, knowledge of cancer diseases, nurse.