Abstract
At least one third of all newly diagnosed cancers could be prevented if lifestyle factors were changed. The University Cancer Center Dresden initiated two programs aiming at cancer awareness and intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior among children and adolescents. Study 1 examined sun protection knowledge of 80 preschool children in a non-randomized design and Study 2 inspected 235 7th grade students’ knowledge of cancer and its behavioral risk-factors as well as intentions on health-promoting behavior using a randomized pre-post design on group-level. Study 1 showed significant improvement of sun protection knowledge in preschool children (p < 0.05). Study 2 was effective in increasing knowledge about risk factors for cancer (p < 0.001) and in increasing intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior (p < 0.001). Communicating health-related behavior in preschools as well as school-based programs targeting multiple cancer-related risk factors are promising tools for primary prevention of cancer.
Highlights
Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in Germany and the overall incidence is rising
Study 2 was effective in increasing knowledge about risk factors for cancer (p < 0.001) and in increasing intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior (p < 0.001)
Considering children and youth being most susceptible to some external agents [2] as well as the accumulation of carcinogenic effects of risk behaviors over life time [3], starting education and primary prevention as early as possible is considered a cornerstone of cancer prevention
Summary
Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in Germany and the overall incidence is rising. The spiraling costs of cancer treatment inflict a crushing burden on the economies of even the wealthiest countries [1]. N. Seidel et al 852 an adequate legislation to reduce exposure and risk behaviors as well as health promotion are key measures to reduce the burden of cancer. At least one third of all newly diagnosed cancers could be prevented if behavioral factors such as smoking, limited physical activity, unbalanced diet, alcohol consumption and excessive exposure to sunlight were changed [1]. Considering children and youth being most susceptible to some external agents [2] as well as the accumulation of carcinogenic effects of risk behaviors over life time [3], starting education and primary prevention as early as possible is considered a cornerstone of cancer prevention
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