The Significance of the Participatory Approach in Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention

Karina Leksy

doi:10.14746/se.2020.56.17

Abstract

Leksy Karina, The Significance of the Participatory Approach in Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention [Znaczenie podejścia partycypacyjnego w promocji zdrowia i profilaktyce nowotworowej]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 56, 2020, Poznań 2020, pp. 309-321. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 1233-6688. DOI: 10.14746/se.2020.56.17The global spread of cancer makes every preventive action aiming at stopping the increase in number of cases and deaths related to cancer extremely important. Preventive actions may be especially effective in diseases etiologically related to lifestyles, including above all eating habits and level of physical activity. It is worth implementing them in compliance with the participatory approach, which constitutes a key component of health promotion and health education. The aim of this article is to present the reasons for and the need to implement prevention based on the idea of participation. This is justified by the results of the research conducted as part of a grant sponsored by Polska Liga Walki z Rakiem [Polish Cancer League] (“Onkogranty II” contest), entitled Promotion of healthy eating habits and physical activity in primary schools throughout the city of Bytom – a diagnosis of educational needs in the context of planning effective actions in primary cancer prevention. It seems that involving students in the process of identifying needs, determining priorities, planning and evaluating these actions is currently one of the most effective ways of developing awareness of cancer prevention.

Highlights

Cancer is currently one of the most critical issues of global public health
Preventive actions may be especially effective in diseases etiologically related to lifestyles, including above all eating habits and level of physical activity. It is worth implementing them in compliance with the participatory approach, which constitutes a key component of health promotion and health education
The aim of this article is to present the reasons for and the need to implement prevention based on the idea of participation. This is justified by the results of the research conducted as part of a grant sponsored by Polska Liga Walki z Rakiem [Polish Cancer League] (“Onkogranty II” contest), entitled Promotion of healthy eating habits and physical activity in primary schools throughout the city of Bytom – a diagnosis of educational needs in the context of planning effective actions in primary cancer prevention

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is currently one of the most critical issues of global public health. According to World Health Organization, it is the main cause of diseases and deaths. It is worth noticing that in respect of residents of European countries, it was stated that “the risk of developing cancer among people who lead a healthy lifestyle in line with recommendations for cancer prevention is about 18% lower than among those whose lifestyle and body weight do not comply with these recommendations” According to World Cancer Report 2014, too much fatty tissue involves a higher risk of developing esophageal, colorectal, endometrial, renal cancer, and breast cancer after menopause It proves the necessity of controlling body weight and changing old habits for health-oriented ones. It was intensified by the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989 as a result of which the issue of active participation of children and youth in matters concerning life in society and education, including health and environmental education. Altho-

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion