Strategie w edukacji onkologicznej młodzieży w szkołach województwa świętokrzyskiego

Abstract

Since the 80s of the last century, the epidemiological studies have helped scientists to recognize that the significant proportion of all cancers is caused by a defective way of life, and above all smoking, irregular diet and lack of physical activity. Therefore one of the strategies that was adopted for cancer prevention were the pro-health education activities, the implementation of which have been formulated in the European Code Against Cancer. Since 2006, Holycross Cancer Center has conducted educational activities for society on the recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer as part of the Primary Cancer Prevention tasks due to the National Programme for Combating Cancer in the years 2006–2015. These actions are aimed particularly at children and young people, as well as teachers and educators. At the same time, there are many actions referred to health professionals and the general public, including conferences, educational meetings, preventive actions and media campaigns. In 2010–2012, nearly 3,000 schools from Małopolskie Voivodeship and Podkarpackie Voivodeship have implemented a pilot program named “School Promoting the recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer”, which contains various forms of education towards young people to acquaint them with the recommendations of the Code. In the years 2013–2015 the project was implemented in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship by Holycross Cancer Center. In 2013/2014 school year, there were 146 schools participating in the project, while in the next school year it was attended by 234 schools, which proves the great interest in the project and the need to implement actions in the field of oncology education in schools. During that time, 20 457 students were acquainted with the recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer, 6333 from 66 primary schools, 8 045 from 48 middle schools and 6079 from 32 high schools. During the next school year (2014/2015) the project involved slightly less students (18 810), 6555 from 104 primary schools, 8352 from 82 middle schools and 3903 from 48 high schools. The participants engaged in the project, asked about their opinion, confirmed that they would be happy to take part in the program again, because of the importance of the topic and the need to increase public awareness of cancer prevention among children and parents.