Objective To understand the cognitive status and influencing factors of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among colleges students in Hefei,to provide scientific basis for health education on cancer prevention and control. Methods Using the convenient sampling method,685 students from three universities in Hefei were selected to carry out a survey on core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment.The questionnaire was administered using the standard electronic version published by the National Cancer Center.The core knowledge awareness rate of cancer prevention and treatment and its influencing factors were analyzed. Results 640 valid questionnaires were collected,with an effective rate of 93.43%.The overall awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment was 75.02%,including 86.41% for single choice questions,81.83% for judgment questions and 53.04% for multiple choice questions.The awareness rate of some items concerned with cancer risk,premalignant symptoms,and tumor markers was low.The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among different genders,ethnic groups,types of colleges,household registration,smoking status,drinking status,average monthly family income,parental education level and family history of malignant tumors.The results of multi-factor analysis showed that gender(β=1.235,95%CI:0.267-2.202),ethnic group (β=-3.699,95%CI:-6.664--0.773),college (β=-5.164,95%CI:-6.127--4.200),household type (β=-1.878,95%CI:-3.018--0.739),family history of malignant tumor (β=2.730,95%CI:0.932-4.527),were factors that influence the awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment.It showed that male,minority nationality,non-medical college,rural household registration and no clear family history of malignancy had a low awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment. Conclusion The level of core knowledge of cancer prevention and control among certain university students is inadequate,indicating a significant need for strengthening health education on the topic.